The development and implementation of eLog technology for the local and international fishing industry

Fisheries management is continually frustrated by the lack, or poor quality, of critical data on fishing operations. The only way to accurately monitor at-sea activities and to harness the vast data-gathering and observation potential of fishers, is to introduce electronic data recording and reporting technology to the fishing industry in particular, and to the marine environment in general. In response, OLRAC, a South African company, developed a fisheries data-logging software, Olfish, capable of collecting, analyzing, plotting, mapping, reporting, tracing and transmitting all data related to fishing operations. The aim was to create a tool that would benefit both regulation authorities and commercial fishing companies. The advantages of electronic logbooking include near real time reporting, better stock assessments, management decisions and traceability amongst others. Olfish can be used by skippers, fleet/company managers, offshore mariculture farmers, scientists, observers, compliance inspectors and fisheries management authorities.