Using an electronic logbook to report catch and effort data to AFMA is proving to have real benefits for both AFMA and the industry.
Nick Williams of the Samuraiis one fisher who now prefers to use an electronic logbook over the paper-based method.
Mr Williams has just completed a one-year trial of the e-Log software developed by Cairns-based company Catchlog Trading in the Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery (ETBF).
He says he likes the convenience of electronic logbook submissions and the fact that they can be received by AFMA at the time of unloading.
“I particularly value the backend database and the access to my past three or four years of fishing history,” he says.
“Having that historical data available to me at the click of a mouse is particularly valuable, as opposed to the alternative of having to thumb through a number of past logbooks when at sea, which is time-consuming and frustrating.”
If you are interested in switching to an electronic logbook system, there are currently two software vendors offering e-Log software to Commonwealth fishers, both in the form of comprehensive vessel business management software as well as ‘lite’ versions that have e-Log capability.
Potentially, e-logs could be used in 16 of AFMA’s fisheries, since e-Log software has been developed for prawn trawl, scale fish trawling and line fishing.
