This project has been developed in line with SETFIA's strategic aim to reduce some of trawling's environmental impacts.

A weakness within the current Association model is that when current fishing behaviours are improved to reduce environmental impacts, there is no guarantee that those changes will be enduring. The lack of consistency is highlighted in that the CTS operates two industry codes of practice on seal interactions and responsible fishing. Both are arguably in need of updating, however, there is no process control on compliance to these codes. Informal surveys have shown that although operators are aware of the existence of theses codes, and that they are often physically on the vessel, that through a combination of time and crew turnover crew are not able to recount the key elements of either code.

Increasingly, industry are undertaking self management arrangements that including voluntary area closures and split stock management (without formal quota areas). Although communications are sent to SETFIA members, the messages are not always passed from the vessel owners to the skippers. The industry needs a conduit though which to improve compliance to regulations and voluntary undertakings.