Logbooks and Other Data Collection Forms

On January 1, 2013, industry across Canada will assume responsibility for the supply, distribution and costs associated with their logbooks. Note: Fishermen in the Pacific Region are already responsible for the production of logbooks and this will remain in effect for 2013. Fishermen in this Region should continue to make arrangements to receive their logbooks as they have in previous years.

The logbooks used by the fishing industry in other Regions in the 2012 fishing season are still valid and may be used during the 2013 fishing season. Any e-logs currently in use will also remain acceptable next year under the same conditions as the 2012 season.

The Department has sufficient logbooks left over from the 2012 season to supply to some harvesters for the 2013 fishing season. These logbooks will be distributed using the same methods that we have used in the past.

The Department communicated directly with harvesters to tell them which forms are not available, including through a regional-specific Notice to Fish Harvesters in November, discussions in December, and by way of individual letters in January. In such cases, harvesters must obtain their logbooks or combined forms from one of the prequalified logbooks suppliers in their Region.

Fish harvesters across Canada should note that only logbooks or combined forms distributed by the Department or ordered from suppliers that have been prequalified by DFO will be approved for use in 2013. In addition, industry should only print or request the number of logbooks required for the 2013 fishing season because they may no longer be valid at the end of the season.

Other Logbook and Data Collection Form changes in 2013

Logbooks, sales slips, hails, and dockside monitoring forms are important record-keeping tools for tracking when and where fish are caught, and other fish harvest data. This information helps the Department and Canada's fishing industry ensure sustainable fishing practices. Logbook keeping is also mandatory under Section 61 of the Fisheries Act and as outlined in licence conditions.

More than 80 different logbooks are in use by today's fishermen. Data captured in these logs and the other data collection forms are entered into the various regional fisheries management information systems used by Fisheries and Oceans.

Over 2013, the Department will reduce 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.

What is changing?

• Industry across Canada will be required to assume the costs of logbooks.
• We are reducing the number of different logbooks, sales slips, hails, and dockside monitoring forms used by fishermen for use in the 2014 fishing season.

How will these changes benefit industry?

• 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.
• We're preparing for the logbooks of the future! The new logbook templates will be designed so they can be easily adapted to transfer data directly into the new national online licensing system.

More information:

• Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
• Contact Us