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- Allowing fishers to record and submit their data electronically whenever possible
- Reducing the amount of time spent by fishers complying with federal reporting requirements
- Improving the accuracy of the data collected
- Reducing the amount of time spent by NOAA Fisheries Service processing the logbook data
Currently 2 vessels report one vessel reports logbook information electronically through a pilot electronic logbook program. Previously there were upwards of 6 vessels that had been seven vessels reporting electronically with 30 more utilizing a GPS plotter/longline logbook program which would potentially enable them to e-report. Successful clarification of the e-signature and e-logbook vendor certification (in process) could enable/allow up to 150 vessels to e-report. . (Although technology, language, and economic barriers are likely to reduce participation to approximately fifty vessels in the near term.) Vessels are required to report (transfer data) within 72 hours of landing. Vessels typically land every few weeks. The potential exists for future daily reporting using VMS as a data transport mechanism.
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Timely information on fishing effort, catch and bycatch is required as an element of National Standard 1 (NS1). Timeliness of reporting may become even more critical if, as is likely, Hawaiian fisheries become participants in additional international fishery management regimes. In these longline fisheries an electronic logbook program provides the best mechanism for acquiring timely information. Logbook record-keeping and reporting regulations require vessel operator signatures for accountability. An e-signature feature is required to make e-logbook reporting feasible.
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