Catch logbook
Captains of commercial fishing vessels are obliged to keep special catch logs.
The importance of catch logbooks
The Directorate of Fisheries uses data from catch logs for monitoring purposes of recording catches and species. Port guards also receive information from catch logs. The recording of the catch logbook is necessary for the traceability of the catch. The fishing trip receives a traceability number from the fishing to the weigh-in and onwards for processing. Traceability of catches is an important record for certification of marine catches that are sold abroad, often into the most expensive markets in the world. The Directorate of Fisheries certifies the export of catches, including whether they are products from legally caught catches. Without certification, important markets could be lost.
The Marine Research Institute uses the data from catch logs for research, and the Coast Guard uses it for surveillance purposes.
How should I submit a catch diary?
The catch logbook is supposed to be submitted before the ship docks for landing via an online service with compliant equipment approved by the Directorate of Fisheries.
Those are:
What should be registered in a 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.
Seabird by number and species.
Marine mammals by number and species.
Information on catches caught but released in accordance with the provisions of law or other administrative provisions.
Information about the 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 marine mammals and birds that enter the fishing gear of vessels.
Logbook not submitted
If the captain does not submit a catch logbook to the Directorate of Fisheries, fails to return in correct form or within time limits, a letter is sent to the fishing company and a case is submitted to administrative proceedings within the institution. Repeated violations can result in suspensions of fishing licences.
Problems
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