One of our main areas of expertise is that of fisheries monitoring control and surveillance (MCS).  We have experts and experience in this area and NFDS’s staff are frequently requested to assist in international fora in relation to MCS.  MCS is an integrated part of fisheries management and requires links to other areas such as resource assessment and management planning.  MCS planning must also take into account the financial and human resources available for operations.  We give priority to the information sharing requirements related to effective MCS operations and aim to design solutions based upon linking surveillance platforms, shore based officers, observers, VMS and MCS assets.  Developing countries are often exposed to solutions imposed by the industrial world.  NFDS aims to balance this drive for expensive and technically driven solutions with sound needs and feasible studies.  We tailor-make solutions within the framework of cultural, financial and human factors, to ensure sustainable and cost effective fisheries management.