Catch logbook
Captains of fishing vessels with a commercial fishing permit are required to keep a catch logbook in accordance with current regulations.
Why are catch logbooks important?
Recording information in a catch logbook is a fundamental part of the monitoring, traceability and certification of seafood catches. Information from catch logbooks are also used by other authorities and institutions for statutory purposes.
Monitoring, recording and research
How is the data used?
The Directorate of Fisheries uses information from catch logbooks to monitor:
the recording of catches
the recording of fish species
Harbour wardens also have access to information from catch logbooks in connection with landing of catches.
The Marine and Freshwater Research Institute uses the data for research.
The Icelandic Coast Guard uses the data for monitoring purposes.
Catch traceability and certification
Keeping a catch logbook is a prerequisite for the traceability of the catch, which is extremely important when it comes to the certification of seafood sold abroad. Each fishing trip is assigned a special traceability number that follows the catch:
from fishing
to weighing
and on to processing
Traceability is a key element in the certification of seafood and can be a condition for access to foreign markets.
How to submit a catch logbook?
The catch logbook is supposed to be submitted before the vessel docks for landing via an online service with compliant equipment approved by the Directorate of Fisheries.
Those are:
What should be registered in the catch logbook?
Name of vessel and register number.
Fishing gear, type and size
Position determination (width and length).
Catch by quantity and species.
Date of fishing the catch.
Place of docking and landing date.
Species of birds and quantity.
Species of marine mammals and quantity.
Information on catches caught but released in accordance with the provisions of law or other administrative provisions.
Information about the length of time fishing gear is in the sea, when it is laid down and when it is taken up.
It is important to record all information requested in the format submitted. Also, catch quantities should be recorded as precisely as possible as well as marine mammals and birds that enter the fishing gear of vessels.
Failure to submit a catch logbook
If the captain does not submit a catch logbook, fails to return in correct form or within time limits, a letter is sent to the fishing company from the Directorate of Fisheries and a case submitted to administrative proceedings within the institution. Repeated violations can result in suspensions of fishing permit.
Problems with submission
If captains encounter problems with digital solutions, they should consult their service providers. It is important to notify the Directorate of Fisheries of any malfunction as soon as possible to the e-mail address afladagbok@fiskistofa.is.
Service provider
The Directorate of Fisheries