Logbooks and other data collection forms

Q1. Why do I have to pay for my logbooks?

A1. Those who benefit from the use of the resource should assist in paying for the management of the resource. Some fishermen have been paying for logbooks, while others have not, which is not a fair system.

Q2. I still have logbooks from this year's fishing season. May I use them during the 2013 season?

Yes, industry will continue using and remitting existing logbooks, sales slips, hails, and dockside monitoring forms in 2013. Instructions on how to obtain logbooks for the 2013 season were posted on the website on November 2, 2012.

Q3. Will the online licensing system be compatible with electronic logbooks developed by the industry?

A3. Over 2013, the Department will streamline the number of logbooks and other fisheries data collection forms used by industry. The new forms will be available for use by fishermen in the 2014 fishing season, and designed so they can be easily adapted to transfer data directly into the online licensing system beginning in 2015.

Q4. Why can’t the Department continue to print logbooks and sell them to the industry?

A4. Some fishermen already pay the costs associated with their logbooks and other data collection forms. This change will ensure consistent departmental practices and fairness across fisheries and regions.

Q5. Do fishermen have to go online to get their logbooks?

A5. No. A Notice to Fish Harvesters with Departmental contact information regarding how to obtain logbooks for the 2013 fishing season was issued to industry on November 2, 2012. This information is also posted on our website.

Q6. When will new data collection forms be available?

A6. The Department is working at present on reviewing the number of logbooks and other fisheries data collection forms used by industry. New forms will be available for use by fishermen in the 2014 fishing season.

Q7. What are the Department’s plans for logbooks in future years? Can fish harvesters expect other changes?

A7. The Department is working at present on reviewing the number of logbooks and other fisheries data collection forms used by industry. New forms will be available for use by fishermen in the 2014 fishing season.

Q8. What if a fishery cannot find a good supplier for new logbooks in time?

A8. This service delivery change does not affect the requirement for industry to complete and submit their logbooks, as outlined in their licence conditions. Logbook keeping is also mandatory under Section 61 of the Fisheries Act. Instructions on how to obtain logbooks for the 2013 fishing season have been provided to fish harvesters in each region. The Department is also equipped to provide harvesters with logbook printing requirements. Consult the regional contact list for more information.

Q9. What is the estimated cost of a logbook?

A9. Logbooks vary depending on the Region and the species for which they are intended. The cost for logbooks varies accordingly. Other factors, such as the number of copies ordered and shipping distances also affects the price paid for logbooks.

Q10. Will future logbooks be available for download from the Internet?

A10. This may be a possibility. The Department is working at present on reviewing the number of logbooks and other fisheries data collection forms used by industry. Having some logbooks accessible at no costs online for printing is one of the options currently being evaluated.

Q11. Will the quality of data be affected due to logbook changes?

A11. No. While harvesters are responsible for obtaining their logbooks starting on January 1, 2013, the Department will still be responsible for providing the printing requirements for each logbook. For example, logbooks to be used in 2013 must be identical to the ones from 2012 (excepted in the Pacific Region). Also, logbook keeping remains mandatory under Section 61 of the Fisheries Act and as outlined in licence conditions. This service delivery change does not affect the requirement of industry to maintain their logbooks, sales slips, hails, and dockside monitoring forms as outlined in their licence conditions.

Q12. How can I become a prequalified logbook supplier?

A12. An open application period was held in the Department’s Quebec Region and Maritimes Region to prequalify logbook suppliers for fish harvesters in those regions. These regions held application periods between December 2012 and January 2013 because they did not have sufficient logbooks  remaining  from the 2012 fishing season to provide to every harvester. Other Regions will hold competitive application periods later in 2013.

In the future, an annual application period may be determined where potential providers will be invited to apply. More information about this process will be provided later in 2013.