Electronic Purchase Slips (ESLIPs) initiative

About the ESLIP initiative

Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is modernizing how fisheries information is collected and managed across Canada. ESLIPs is a new digital tool that licensed buyers will use to report purchase information electronically through the Fisheries Integrated Service Hub (FISH). FISH is a secure platform that hosts a variety of tools, including ESLIPs, developed for buyers to easily and securely submit information directly to DFO.

Additional features will be added to ESLIPs and integrated with other DFO systems in the future based on feedback and industry needs.

Who uses ESLIPs

• Licensed buyers in the Maritimes Region are required to report their purchases, using this process starting March 15, 2026
• For harvesters using Electronic Logbooks (ELOGs), continue to use ELOGs to report your catch and effort

How to submit purchase slip data

1. Log in to FISH
2. Upload a file (.CSV or .XLS or .XLSX) based on the DFO ESLIP sample report (XLSX, 137 KB)
3. Submit the information through ESLIP

Reporting and requirements

• Buyers are to begin ESLIP reporting 7 days after their first transaction of the 2026 spring season and are required to report every 7 days or less after purchase.
• The buyer is required to provide:
  • buyer information
  • licence holder and vessel details
  • transaction details
  • catch details
  • pricing information

Benefits of ESLIPs

ESLIPs make it quick and easy for licensed buyers to report fisheries purchase information to DFO. ESLIPs help:

• reduce duplication
• improve data quality and accuracy
• speed up timelines
• support sustainable fisheries management

Resources

• DFO How to submit purchase slip data (XLSX, 137 KB) - Review and download the official ESLIP sample report to fill in and use to submit one or multiple transactions using a single file.
• ESLIPs Fact Sheet (PDF, 218 KB) - an overview of ESLIPs, why we are changing, who to contact for help, etc.
• FISH - User Guide for GCKey and DFO Services (PDF, 2.6 MB) – a step-by-step guide to accessing the Government of Canada and DFO services.
• ESLIP Buyer User Guide (PDF, 516 KB) - a step-by-step guide to access ESLIPs, and upload and submit fish purchase data.
• ESLIPs Quick Reference Guide (PDF, 235 KB) – a job aid to help you login to government and DFO services, upload and submit an ESLIP.

Need additional help

If you experience difficulties accessing the system or require technical support, please contact: DFO.CFISReportingSupport-SCIPSoutienRapport.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

Buyers, please include your name and DFO Region in your email.