Notice to Fish Harvesters - Electronic Logbook (ELOG) Implementation - 2026 Fishing Season - nf.26.006

FISHERIES AND OCEANS CANADA

NOTICE TO FISH HARVESTERS

nf.26.006NFB

Jan. 26, 2026

Electronic Logbook (ELOG) Implementation – 2026 Fishing Season

DFO continues to transition to Electronic Logbooks (ELOG) for fisheries catch reporting. This change is to modernize reporting of catch information, improve the accuracy and timeliness of reporting, while supporting compliance with fisheries regulations.

ELOG was rolled out in some Atlantic Canada fisheries last year and will be introduced to additional fisheries in 2026. The following outlines a list of fisheries by region and specifies whether ELOG participation in each fishery is mandatory or voluntary,

ELOG Implementation by Region

Newfoundland & Labrador

Existing Mandatory (no change):

– Redfish Unit 1 (Inshore – All Areas)

– Lobster (All Areas)

– Snow Crab (Mid-shore and Fulltime Fleets)

New Mandatory for 2026:

– Snow Crab (Large Supplementary, Small Supplementary, Supplementary, and NAFO Division 4R Commercial fleets)

Existing Voluntary (no change):

– Snow Crab (Inshore Fleets – All Areas)

– All other fisheries

Maritimes

Existing Mandatory (no change):

– Redfish Unit 1 (Inshore – All Areas)

– Snow Crab 4X (CFA 24W)

– Rock Crab (27, 29, 31A, 31B, 32, 34, 35, 36)

– Red Crab (4WX and 5Z)

– Jonah Crab (32, 33, 34, 38)

– Lobster (28, 29, 30)

New Mandatory for 2026:

– Snow Crab N-ENS (CFA 20-22), S-ENS (CFA 23), S-ENS (CFA 24)

– Lobster (27, 31A, 31B, 32)

– Lobster (33, 34)

– Lobster (35, 36, 38)

– Lobster (38B)

Gulf

Existing Mandatory (no change):

– Redfish (Inshore – All Areas)

– Lobster (23, 24, 25, 26)

– Snow Crab (12(18, 25, 26), 12E, 12F, 19)

Existing Voluntary (no change):

– Herring (16A-G)

– Mackerel

– Shrimp (8,9,19)

– Bluefin Tuna (4RST and 4Wd)

Quebec

Existing Mandatory (no change):

– Redfish Unit 1 (Inshore – All Areas)

– Herring (All Areas)

– Bait Fishing (All Areas)

– Lobster (All Areas)

– Exploratory Lobster (19A1, 19A2, 19A3, 19B, 19C1, 19C2, 17A, 17B, 18A-18H)

– Snow Crab (All Areas)

– Mackerel (All Areas)

Existing Voluntary (no change):

– Redfish (midshore/offshore) (All Areas)

– Squid (All Areas)

– Sea Urchin (All Areas)

– Capelin (All Areas)

– Shrimp (All Areas)

– Rock Crab (All Areas)

– Spider Crab (All Areas)

– Bluefin Tuna (No Area Restriction)

– Groundfish (All Areas)

– Bar Clams (All Areas)

– Stimpson’s Surf Clam (All Areas)

– Whelk (All Areas)

– Scallop (All Areas)

– Sea Cucumber (All Areas)

– Atlantic Razor Clam (All Areas)

Opportunity for Voluntary Fisheries

Harvesters in fisheries where ELOG is not yet mandatory can choose to use them voluntarily now where permitted by condition of license.

Early adoption in voluntary fisheries is encouraged now to ensure a smoother transition when ELOG become mandatory.

What’s Expected of You

Mandatory fisheries: Sign up and use an approved ELOG app for all log reporting.

Voluntary fisheries: Start using ELOG now where permitted by condition of licence to get ready for future mandatory implementation.

Resources:

– Visit the DFO ELOG webpage for instructions and an approved list of apps.

– Attend ELOG provider information sessions and DFO pre-season meetings.

– Reach out to your ELOG provider if you need help or have questions about using their app.

How you can get help

Answers to questions about the ELOG software application:

Questions surrounding the purchase of or support for ELOG software should be directed to the individual application provider. Harvesters are encouraged to visit the company’s website to learn about upcoming training sessions and learning events.

Answers to questions about ELOGs implementation, timelines, process:

Have questions about timelines for ELOGs in your region? Or looking for support in making the switch from paper logbooks? Please contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada directly by:

Telephone: 1-877-535-7307

Telephone support is available Monday to Friday (excluding holidays) from 07:00 to 17:00 Eastern Time. Alberta and British Columbia: support is available until 19:00 Eastern Time.

TTY: 1-800-465-7735

Email: fishing-peche@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Please include your name and the DFO Region in which you are located. E-mails will receive a response within a few business days.

Thank you in advance for your support and cooperation in the continued rollout of ELOGs in eastern Canada.

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For information, contact:
Kelly Dooley
Senior Resource Manager
Email: Kelly.dooley@dfo-mpo.gc.ca