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Notice to Fish Harvesters – ELOGS Program Update – nf.23.310

November 28, 2023

FISHERIES AND OCEANS CANADA

NOTICE TO FISH HARVESTERS

nf.23.310B

Nov. 27, 2023

ELOGS Program Update

Historically, data from fishing activity has been provided to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) via paper logbooks. In recent years, an effort has been made to streamline the process of sharing and collecting information using electronic logbooks applications (ELOGS).

Harvesters in some Quebec fisheries such as lobster, crab and select herring fishing areas are already using ELOGS on a mandatory basis and have been using it for a few years.

Further advancement of mandatory implementation of ELOGs depends on several factors such as availability of a sufficient number of ELOG products for a fishery, harvester uptake, stakeholder feedback and regional readiness etc. Based on the current analysis of these key factors, no final decision has been made surrounding timelines for mandatory implementation on a national basis; however some regions may designate select fisheries for mandatory implementation.

At this time, the ELOGs program continues its primarily voluntary use for all fisheries except those mentioned above in Quebec. Harvesters who wish to use a qualified ELOG product are free to do so where a qualified product exists in regions with fisheries onboarded.

DFO remains committed to working with industry as we continue to improve and enhance our catch reporting services.

For any additional questions regarding the National ELOG program, please contact DFO at 1-877-535-7307 or at the following email: fishing-peche@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

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For information, contact:

Kelly Dooley

A/Resource Manager

Email: Kelly.dooley@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Dr. Erin Carruthers

Dr. Erin Carruthers is the Science Director and Senior Fisheries Scientist with the Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union (FFAW-Unifor), which is the labour union that represents the owner-operator fleet in Newfoundland and Labrador. The FFAW is committed to research and management that supports healthy oceans, fisheries, and coastal communities. Dr. Carruthers received her Ph. D. in Biology from Memorial University in 2011 followed by a postdoctoral fellowship with the Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research. Before coming to Newfoundland, Erin worked as a Research Biologist with Fisheries and Oceans Canada at the St. Andrews Biological Station. Her current research program is co-constructed with fish harvesters and includes research on coastal fishing communities, collaborative longline and trap surveys, and best practices for the avoidance, handling and release of unwanted catch.