New Coastal Fishing Vessel Tracking Regulations: CLS Responds with a Large-Scale Deployment of its ROCKFLEET Satellite Tracking Device Across France

France is strengthening the monitoring of fishing activities throughout its maritime territory. In this context, CLS, a French mission-driven company and global leader in sustainable fisheries management solutions, plans to equip the majority of the French coastal and small-scale fishing fleet with its ROCKFLEET satellite tracking devices.

From May 2026 through 2028, all French coastal fishing vessels under 12 meters in length will be required to carry a satellite tracking device in order to continue operating at sea.

In line with the European Fisheries Control Regulation reform and the French decree of February 24, 2026, France is implementing this regulatory change across its territory. The objective is to improve the traceability of fishing activities, harmonize controls at the European level, and support the sustainable management of marine resources.

As a subsidiary of the French Space Agency (CNES) and a long-standing provider of fishing vessel monitoring solutions in France, CLS is supporting fishing professionals in complying with these new requirements. In partnership with FURUNO, CLS offers the ROCKFLEET tracking device through its distribution network. FURUNO-certified service centers are responsible for installation, operational testing, and commissioning of the equipment, while ensuring compliance with current regulations and assisting fishers with both technical and administrative procedures.

With ROCKFLEET, a VMS solution certified for use in France, CLS is supporting this regulatory transition through reliable, high-performance technology that meets national and European requirements for monitoring, control, and secure transmission of fisheries data.