Instructions Regarding Logbooks for Use in 2013

Further to the Notice to Fish Harvesters issued on October 2, 2012, industry is advised that instructions regarding how to obtain logbooks for the 2013 fishing season have now been posted on the Department's website.

These instructions are as follows:

• Industry will now assume responsibility for printing their logbooks for the 2013 fishing season and all future fishing seasons.
• Logbooks used in the 2012 fishing season are still valid and may be used during the 2013 season. Any electronic logbook procedures currently in use will also remain acceptable throughout the 2013 season.
• For some fisheries, the Department has sufficient logbooks in stock for the 2013 fishing season and will distribute them to harvesters in the same way that it has in past years. For other fisheries, the Department does not have any logbooks in stock. In these cases, harvesters will need to make arrangements, either individually or through their association, to receive logbook templates and printing requirements by the Department.
• To determine which situation applies to you and to receive applicable instructions, please consult your regional contact from the online list.
• In cases where logbooks are not in stock and logbook templates are required, the instructions will include the Department's logbook printing requirements.  Further details will be provided by your regional contact.

Logbook keeping is mandatory under Section 61 of the Fisheries Act and as outlined in licence conditions. Data captured in these logs and other data collection forms are entered into information systems used by the Department for fisheries management and planning purposes. The information also helps both the Department and Canada's fishing industry to ensure sustainable fishing practices.

For the 2013 fishing season, harvesters will also continue using and remitting sales slips, hails, and dockside monitoring forms, as they have in the past.

Over 2013, the Department will undertake a national review of logbooks and reduce the number of logbooks and other fisheries data collection forms in a format that can support direct transfer of data into the new online licensing system, including through electronic logging. The new forms will be available for use by harvesters in the 2014 fishing season. Further information and instructions on how to obtain the new logbooks for 2014 will be available once this review is completed.

For more information on the Department's service delivery changes, e-mail: sdc-cps@dfo-mpo.gc.ca or call: 1-877-535-7307.