Logbooks are a record of daily catch information for fishing boats. They are designed to provide a continuous record of fishing operations undertaken by Commonwealth fishing concessions holders.
Electronic logbooks (e-logs) are computer programs/software on fishing vessels that allow the entry and submission of daily fishing logs.
Replacement logbooks and catch disposal records can be ordered through the online form on the forms page or by contacting AFMA licensing on 02 6225 5542 or email DataEntry@afma.gov.au.
What are logbooks
AFMA logbooks are used to collect information about:
- when and where you are fishing
- the type of gear you are using
- the composition of your catch
- any interactions with threatened, endangered or protected species
This information is important for determining the status of fish stocks and making management decisions, including the setting of total allowable catches.
Logbooks are required to be completed in all Commonwealth fisheries.
Logbooks can be submitted to AFMA electronically using electronic logs (e-logs) or manually using paper logs.
Who uses logbooks
The holder of the fishing concession is responsible for ensuring that this logbook is completed and that it is certified as complete and correct.
The logbook must be submitted by the person responsible for the fishing operations of the boat (skipper) during the fishing trip.
If the skipper is not the same person as the concession holder they must be authorised as an agent of the concession holder. To authorise a person to act as an agent please complete the Registered Authorised Agent form on the AFMA website or on GoFish if the person is already an AFMA client.
For more information please contact AFMA on 1300 723 621.
What are e-logs
Electronic logbooks (e-logs) are computer programs/software on fishing vessels that allow the entry and submission of daily fishing logs.
E-logs are submitted to AFMA using software developed by private companies. A list of available software providers can be found below.
| Provider | CatchLog Trading Pty. Ltd | OLRAC |
|---|---|---|
| Telephone | 07 4033 1322 | 0400 232 576 |
| admin@catchlog.com | olrac@olsps.com | |
| Web | www.catchlog.com | www.olsps.com |
E-logs are currently available for fishers who fish using the following methods:
- Danish seine
- Gillnet
- Line
- Prawn trawl
- Trawl
Find more information on the e-log information page of this website or download the ‘Information for new e-log user’ flyer.
E-logs compulsory in Commonwealth fisheries
All operators fishing 50 days or more in the current or previous fishing season, or those that have an electronic monitoring system installed, are required to use e-logs* when fishing with one of the following methods:
- Danish seine
- Gillnet
- Line
- Prawn trawl
- Trawl
In addition, operators fishing using line methods in the Eastern or Western Tuna and Billfish fisheries are required to use e-logs regardless of the number of days fished in the current or previous fishing season.
*Note operators fishing in the Heard Island and McDonald Islands Fishery and Macquarie Island Toothfish Fishery are not required to use the e-log programs provided by Catchlog and Olrac. Further information on the specific reporting requirements for these fisheries is available in the relevant management arrangement booklet.
Paper logbooks are a pre-printed form designed to be filled out manually. Paper logbooks contain numbered pages in duplicate which are referred to as logsheet.
Examples of logbooks used by AFMA can be found in the forms section of this website.
Submitting logsheets
Instructions on how to fill out your paper logbook are included in the front cover of your logbook.
Original copies of individual logsheets must be returned to AFMA within 3 calendar days of the completion of a trip in either the reply paid envelope provided or posted to:
The Logbook Co-ordinator
Australian Fisheries Management Authority
BOX 7051
Canberra Business Centre
ACT 2610
For quota managed fisheries and/or fisheries that require the completion of a catch disposal record (CDR), logsheets should be returned with the CDR for that trip. All duplicate copies of logsheets and CDRs must be retained.
How do I get a new logbook?
Replacement logbooks and catch disposal records can be ordered through the online form on the forms page or by contacting AFMA licensing on 02 6225 5542 or email DataEntry@afma.gov.au.