Commercial fishery requirements
On this page
- Licensing
- Inshore regulations
- Electronic logbooks (ELOGS)
- Paper logbooks
- Gear tags, tabs and ropes
- At-Sea Observer Program
- Dockside monitoring
- Vessel Monitoring System
- Discarding Waste
Licensing
Inshore regulations
Electronic logbooks (ELOGS)
- Get your ELOG key
- Find qualified ELOG client applications
- Electronic logbooks (ELOGS)
- Frequently asked questions
Paper logbooks
Logbook keeping is mandatory under the Fisheries Act. Fish harvesters are required to record information about fishing catch and effort, and submit this data as specified in the conditions of licence. Fish harvesters are responsible for obtaining their own logbook or electronic logbook application and/or combined forms as applicable.
- Logbook suppliers
- Pacific fish slip
- Regional contacts regarding logbook instructions
- Paper logbooks
- Notice to fish harvesters
- Frequently asked questions
Gear Tags, Tabs and Ropes
Gear tags and tabs are required in some commercial fisheries in Canada. Fish harvesters are responsible for obtaining and paying for their own gear tags and tabs, through an approved tag supplier.
- Protocol for gear tagging in Atlantic commercial fisheries
- Tag issuance forms
- Gear tags and tabs background information
- Update to the conditions of licences related to the mandatory colour scheme for gear marking in Eastern Canada (August 14, 2020)
At-Sea Observer Program
The At-Sea Observer Program provides independent third party verification of fish harvesting activities. Observers are assigned to fishing vessels operating in the offshore, inshore and near-shore areas. The program provides accurate and timely information on fish harvests. It also provides scientific catch and sampling data. The fishing industry and the department use this information for fisheries management and scientific research purposes.
Commercial fishers make agreements with service providers qualified by the Canadian General Standards Board and designated by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
- Designated at-sea observer companies
- Becoming designated to provide at-sea monitoring services
- Frequently asked questions
Dockside monitoring
The Dockside Monitoring Program provides independent third party verification of fish landings. Commercial fishing licences require participation in the program for most species (for all or a portion of fleets and landings).
The program supports fisheries management by providing accurate and timely harvest data, including the weight and species landed. The program is paid for by the fishing industry. Commercial fishers make agreements with service providers qualified by the Canadian General Standards Board and designated by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Vessel Monitoring System
The Vessel Monitoring System is a program for tracking the positions and movements of vessels. Licence conditions for certain Canadian and foreign fishing vessels require them to participate in the Vessel Monitoring System. Participating vessels must buy, carry and register an approved vessel monitoring unit.
- National Vessel Monitoring System
- Developing a new Vessel Monitoring System standard
- Approved Vessel Monitoring System units
- Vessel Monitoring System portal
Discarding Waste
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