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Electronic logbooks (ELOGs)

What are ELOGs?

ELOGs (electronic logbooks) are an important part of the fisheries information management cycle. They collect data from fish harvesters on their fishing activities. All of this information helps Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to determine measures like licence conditions, annual quotas for species and ensures good fisheries management and protection across Canada.

ELOGs at a glance visual

ELOGs at a glance.

Description

Historically, fish harvesters have provided this data to DFO via paper logbooks. However, this format presents challenges to data integrity and timely decision making around fisheries management and protection.

In recent years, DFO’s National Electronic Logbook Program has made progress on streamlining the sharing and collecting of catch and effort information through more modern ELOGs. ELOGs are a digital solution that make catch reporting faster and more efficient for harvesters. With ELOGs, harvesters can submit their data in near-real time, helping DFO to get accurate, effective, and consistent catch and effort data from across the country. This means better business and fisheries management, conservation, and protection of our precious ocean resources.

Are ELOGs mandatory for all harvesters?

In 2024, the use of ELOGs nationally is still voluntary for all species, except for some select fisheries in Quebec (i.e., crab, lobster and select herring fishing areas) where they have been mandatory for a number of years.

DFO remains committed to working with industry as we continue to improve and enhance our catch reporting services. We’re putting a lot of effort on moving to electronic data collection, and we anticipate national mandatory use of ELOGs in some select fisheries in the Gulf and Quebec regions by January 1, 2025.

The national mandatory roll-out of ELOGs will follow a phased approach, advancing as regional fisheries are ready to come on board. This phased national approach will also ensure that ELOG options are available for harvesters to choose from and that all fisheries are covered by an ELOG application (app).

Harvesters who voluntarily use ELOGs now for any species may do so under the following conditions:

For fish harvesters

If you would like to start using ELOGs, please visit the following links:

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

For developers

The ELOGs Program positions Canada on the leading edge of catch data reporting in the fishing industry.

Companies interested in developing ELOG applications must enroll with our program to be considered for qualification.

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