Consultation on the introduction of catch recording for licensed fishing vessels under 10 metres in length

Results updated 6 Jun 2019

Introduction of catch recording for licensed fishing boats under 10 metres in length

Consultation report

1. Overview

1.1 Introduction

This document provides a summary of responses to a consultation on the impacts of a proposal to introduce mandatory catch recording for all English and Welsh licensed fishing boats under 10 metres in length.

The consultation, run jointly by Defra and Welsh Government, opened on 19 February 2019 and closed on 2 April 2019. The aim of this document is to summarise the comments received and show how the fishing authorities are responding to them. It does not offer a detailed opinion on individual comments.

1.2 Background

The proposal is that catch recording requirements will be introduced via a fishing vessel licence condition. The anticipated benefits of introducing catch recording for under 10 metre vessels include improved data gathering and a greater understanding of the activities of under 10 metre fishing vessels. Better records will also allow the origins of fish to be traced, which could translate into improved sales and marketing opportunities for the industry.

Defra and Welsh Government are proposing that owners and operators of under 10 metre vessels, who catch and land species subject to quotas, catch limits or effort restrictions, create a catch record using a mobile device (a smartphone or tablet), when safely moored up, before fish are moved off the boat. This service would be available online (via a URL, from any device) and also as an app, which can be downloaded for both Android and Apple devices.

Those who catch only non-quota species would have 24 hours to record their catch, after each fishing trip, using a mobile device, a personal computer or laptop.

1.3 Purpose of the consultation

The purpose of the consultation was to set out the proposed changes and provide everyone with the opportunity to help to shape how this policy might be implemented. The responses to the consultation will be used to inform policy makers’ decisions in respect of the proposal.

Changes to catch recording requirements in this instance involve a licence variation. There is no legal requirement to consult on licence variations, however Defra and the Welsh Government are keen to implement the change in consultation with fishers and industry. By actively seeking comments and information about possible challenges from industry experts and members of the public more widely, the aim is to implement the planned change sensitively and efficiently.

1.4 Who will be affected?

This licence variation will affect all English and Welsh licensed fishing boats under 10 metres in length.

Scotland has its own arrangements in place for recording catches; under 10 metre fishing vessels licensed in Scotland are not, therefore, covered by this consultation.

Northern Ireland will be seeking consultation responses at a later date.

1.5 Number and categories of responses

Defra and Welsh Government received contributions to the consultation from 74 respondents in total. Of these responses, the breakdown is:

29 positive (39.18%)

31 negative (41.89%)

14 mixed response (14.86% agree with catch recording in principle with questions linked to its practical application).

These responses were submitted by email and letter and all were considered. Both governments would like to thank everyone who took the time to provide feedback on this licence change proposal.

Respondents were asked if they would like to provide their name, email address (if applicable), their interest in the consultation, whether they are a vessel owner/operator and if their vessel is licensed. Those who contributed could choose to keep their details and comments confidential.

2. Summary of responses

2.1 Overview of responses

There were mixed responses regarding impacts of the introduction of catch recording for all English and Welsh licensed fishing boats under 10 metres in length. Most respondents offered general comments rather than responses to specific consultation questions.

Positive impacts of the proposed licence change, identified by respondents to the consultation, included the following themes:

Better ability to manage fish stocks sustainably

Improvements in enforcing catch limits and quotas

Fish buyers/customers helped to identify where fish are caught and by which vessels

Improved identification of line-caught fish, which will benefit traders and customers

Better data to help inform policy and decision makers

Better information to guide marine planning generally.

Negative impacts of the proposed licence change that were raised by respondents included the following themes:

Practical issues associated with using mobile phones in an open boat (difficulties of data entry with wet, cold hands; possible IT issues with the app and loss of connection on board)

Costs to those who do not have SMART phones and the IT needed to submit records

IT and literacy issues for some fishers mean that it will be difficult to comply with the new recording requirements

Safety concerns (especially at some ports/harbours) when recording even when stationary would be difficult from the boat. Also tiredness of the skipper

Lack of clarity linked to what is to be recorded and how this should be done (e.g. there is no mention of discards for non-quota species; weights of whole or gutted fish; conversion factors)

Worries about data protection; what data will be transmitted, to whom and how will this be securely stored?

Concerns about duplication in the weighing process (weights before landing, after landing, at auction and on sale)

Particular concerns expressed by the shellfish sector, where there are already considerable reporting requirements in place. (Will the detail currently required be lost or will further burdens be placed on fishers with the introduction of the new licence requirement?).

 

2.2 Responses to question 1 – It is proposed that owners/skippers of vessels catching and retaining species subject to quotas will record their catch (via a specially developed app) before the fish have been removed from the vessel. Those that catch and retain only non-quota species will have 24 hours, from landing, to record their catch via the mobile app or online. For all catches a declaration will need to be submitted within 48 hours (using a mobile device, personal computer or laptop) providing accurate weights of all species landed.

What are your views on the proposed approach and policy?

Respondents expressed a range of views which have been grouped into themes as part of this summary. Explanations, updates and further information have also been provided by the project team where appropriate.

The majority of respondents were in favour of the introduction of catch recording in principle (54%). 39% of respondents viewed the proposals positively and 15% agreed with the principle but had suggestions and/or reservations about the way the information would be recorded via the new app. 42% of respondents viewed the proposals negatively.

Those in favour of improved catch records expressed the view that the under 10m sector is currently disadvantaged by patchy and incomplete collection of catch data.

The majority of respondents also agreed that modern technology (smart phones, tablets and laptops) plays an important role in collecting and transmitting data in ways that are more efficient than paper log-books. Advantages to a digital system include: the elimination of duplication and the ability to update systems simply by software updates.

Criticisms of the new approach centred on the theme that “a good idea can be spoiled by poor implementation.”

Rigorous testing of the app has taken place during the past six months with more than 100 fishers across the country. Feedback from this testing, along with the comments received as part of this consultation, is being used to inform and improve the processes and technology. Suggested improvements have been incorporated into the app at each stage and adjustments have been retested as the service develops. This process will continue throughout the summer as the project moves into the next phase.

The timetable for introduction of the requirement to record catch using the new app is questioned as being too quick especially in light of uncertainty and change surrounding the fishing industry currently.

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and Welsh Government recognise these concerns and a phased roll-out is now being planned. By introducing the new service to sections of the fishing industry in a gradual way, we will continue to learn from the experiences of owners and skippers throughout the summer and make improvements where necessary.

The blanket approach to implementation of the new licence requirement to all under 10 metre vessels in England and Wales is also questioned by several respondents.

A risk-based approach has been taken to the implementation of this new catch recording requirement; this is why there is a difference in the way that quota and non-quota species will be recorded. For quota species, the risk to fish stocks and the importance of improving data collected, to ensure better fisheries management and future sustainability, justifies the introduction of new recording requirements. The new service will now be introduced as part of a phased roll-out.

The proposal had included the additional requirement for all catches (quota and non-quota) to submit a landing declaration within 48 hours of fish leaving the vessel. Following several responses to this consultation, raising concerns about double reporting, this requirement has now been removed.

For those fishers who land and then transport their own catch, the new catch recording service removes the need for a separate paper transport document to be carried. As long as the estimated catch record has been submitted this digital record will suffice.

2.3 Responses to question 2 – What challenges will you face as a consequence of this new requirement?

Respondents identified a range of challenges and these concerns have been grouped into themes as part of this summary. Explanations, updates and further information have also been provided by the project team where appropriate.

Difficulties estimating the weight of fish accurately without special weighing equipment on board.

Many fishers are skilled at estimating the weights of boxes of catch. Scales can be used on board (manual or digital) but it is not a requirement. There is a margin of tolerance when recording estimated catch (+ or – 10% of the actual catch weight).

Questions about how weights are to be presented and recorded have also been raised. Conversion factors for gutted fish need to be clarified as not all fishers in small vessels will know these.

Catch can be recorded by an app or online and both platforms will have built-in options for different species, whole or gutted fish and help with conversion factors to ensure that the process of recording is as easy as possible. Feedback from more than 100 fishers who have been testing the prototype has been used to refine the app and online programme.

Fishers in open boats without a wheelhouse have no protection from the elements to operate a phone or tablet to record catches in bad weather even when moored. Such small boats often have little room on board to quantify catch before it is lifted onto the quay.

There are smartphones available, which are waterproof and designed to be used in challenging conditions. Catch records should be submitted as soon as practically possible when the vessel and its crew are in a safe position.

Some small boats are launching and landing on beaches so owners/skippers cannot record catch before landing.

Catch can be recorded as soon as the boat is safely on the beach.

It should be noted that some respondents believed that catch recording would be required as a vessel was on the move. This is not the case; the boat should be safely moored before a catch record is created online or via the app. A section of respondents pointed out that there are time limitations on busy quays as other boats are waiting to unload their catches; recording from the vessel will cause delay. Some respondents said that delays at the water’s edge could be dangerous due to the run of water between the harbour and the sea. Safety is always the first priority; catch records should be submitted as soon as possible when the vessel and its crew are in a safe position.

Fishers and some industry bodies are worried about the ability of the workforce to submit catch details online or via the app; there are literacy and IT issues to overcome as well as the practicalities of operating a smart phone with wet, cold hands and recording data accurately at the end of a long, tiring fishing trip.

There are a number of waterproof smartphone covers that can be bought, which offer good protection for use in wet conditions. The app and the online platform are designed to be easy to use; any wording is written in plain English; and there will be an assisted digital service that will allow fishers who are unable to complete a catch record via smartphone or laptop to record their catch through a contact centre.

Worries were expressed about possible IT issues and connection loss affecting the catch-recording app. In some areas of the country there are harbour areas without signal. Loss of battery power for smart phones was also a concern. Respondents were keen to know how such problems would be dealt with and whether disruptions to the service would affect their ability to go out to fish, or transport and sell their catches.

Loss of signal, battery power or loss/breakage of a phone or laptop will not prevent fishing, transport or sale of catches. If a phone or laptop is broken or lost at sea, fishers can phone the call centre using a borrowed phone, or from a landline when they get home. They will have to declare why they are calling in their catch in these cases. A similar solution will apply should the app or the online service develop a fault; owners/skippers can phone the contact centre to record the catch offline and the information will be entered when the system is up and running once again. For those fishers without signal they should record their catch offline and this will be sent automatically when the phone receives signal.

Not all fishers have a smartphone or a tablet. The costs associated with acquiring the devices necessary to comply with the new licence requirement, along with the data package needed to transmit data via the new catch recording app, should not fall on individual fishers.

There are a number of suitable low cost smartphone options.

Reservations were expressed by a number of respondents about data protection. To whom would details about catches and locations be sent? There are concerns about who would have access to this commercially sensitive information and who would have ownership of the growing bank of information in the coming months and years.

The data is sent to the MMO and is held securely in compliance with the latest data protection regulations. It will only be used by fisheries authorities for fisheries management purposes. Vessel owners/skippers will receive secure logins to record their catches as well as access to all of their information supplied. This will give each owner/skipper a clear audit trail of past activity, which should be useful for future fishing.

The recording requirements are likely to be more onerous for many fishers and vessels than stated in the consultation. Different species must be recorded separately and this could delay unloading the catch and put the freshness of fish at risk. Some fishers are regularly landing 20 or 30 different species on any one trip.

The app and online programme have been rigorously tested with more than 100 fishers. The results have shown that the service is easy to use, even by those landing many different species. Testers also found that the more they use the service the quicker and easier it becomes. Online training and contact centre support will be available for new users. Welsh Government will run awareness and training sessions in four locations in Wales before the system is launched. The MMO will run face-to-face sessions in England to demonstrate the new system.

There is no indication in the consultation document about the consequences/penalties facing fishers should an inaccurate catch-weight be recorded. Some respondents expressed a worry that the new requirements threatened to criminalise small vessel operators for non-compliance when the ability to comply is out of their hands.

There is no intention to criminalise small vessel operators who are operating in good faith, in the spirit of the catch recording rules. This new catch recording requirement is intended to safeguard fish stocks and protect the sustainability of the fishing industry long-term. Fishing authorities will work to educate and support vessel owners and operators to comply with the new rules when they are introduced. Any enforcement action would be in-line with the compliance and enforcement strategies published by Defra and Welsh Government on their respective websites.

Scepticism was expressed by many respondents regarding the duplication in the weighing process and why this would be needed. Many felt that this new requirement would place an additional, unnecessary burden on the fishing industry. The proposal had included the additional requirement for all catches (quota and non-quota) to submit a landing declaration within 48 hours of fish leaving the vessel. Following several responses to this consultation, raising concerns about double reporting, this requirement has now been removed. 

 2.4 Responses to question 3 – Are there any further comments you would like to make on the impact of the proposal?

Questions and comments from respondents as well as answers from the MMO and Welsh Government have been included in section 6 of this document.

3. Outcomes of the consultation

Following consideration of the responses provided, the MMO and Welsh Government have made the following changes to the implementation of catch recording for under 10 metre fishing boats in England and Wales:

3.1 No ‘double reporting’ requirement

Landing declaration

The proposal had included a requirement for all owners/skippers of under 10 metre fishing vessels landing quota and non-quota catch to submit a landing declaration within 48 hours of fish leaving the vessel. Following several responses to this consultation, raising concerns about double reporting, this requirement has now been removed.

Transport documents

For those fishers who land and then transport their own catch, the new catch recording service removes the need for a separate paper transport document to be carried. As long as the estimated catch record has been submitted, this digital record will suffice.

3.2 Phased roll-out

Some respondents to this consultation felt that the introduction of the new app was happening too quickly. The project team has recognised the concerns and a phased roll-out is now being planned. By introducing the new service to sections of the fishing industry in a gradual way, the project team will continue to learn from the experiences of owners and skippers and make improvements where necessary.

4. Next steps

The project team will continue to work with the fishing industry to test and refine the app and online service. A phased roll-out of the new service is planned from the end of July 2019.

5. List of organisations who responded to the consultation

Bridport Commercial Boat Owners and Fisherman's Association

Coastal Producer Organisation

Felixstowe Fisherman's Association

Harwich Fishermen's Association

Mevagissey Fishermen's Association

Mudeford and District Fishermen's Association

NFFO

NUTFA

Natural England

Natural Resources Wales

Plymouth Trawler Agents

Poole Bay Small Boat Angling Club

Shellfish Association of Great Britain

South Devon and Channel Shellfishermen Ltd.

South East Fisherman's Protection Association (SEPA)

The Lobster Pot (a shellfish exporter)

Warsash Fishermen's Group

Welsh Fisherman's Association

 

6. Answers to questions from respondents to the consultation

Why are you doing this (when this data is already being given to you?)

The MMO and Welsh Government are intent on developing and controlling efforts to support the viability and growth of the fishing industry. This project is an important part of this strategy as it will provide a better understanding of catch by the under 10 metre fleet registered in England and Wales.

  In England and Wales it is a legal requirement for owners/operators of commercial sea fishing vessels over 10 metres in length to provide catch information. The majority of vessels under 10 metres in length are not currently required to submit catch records. These vessels make up the majority of the fishing industry in terms of numbers.

In recent audits, the European Commission has identified limitations in our understanding of the activity of under 10 metre vessels, which impacts on our ability to manage fisheries sustainably. It is vital that policy makers, regulators, and the industry have access to up-to-date, accurate and comprehensive information on catches taken by this fleet, especially for those species that have quotas or catch limits established.

The benefits of introducing catch recording for under 10 metre vessels include: Improved data gathering and a greater understanding of the activities of under 10 metre fishing vessels, which will allow for better fisheries’ management; better records, which will allow the origins of fish to be traced leading to improved sales and marketing opportunities for the industry; and improvements in enforcing catch limits and quotas.

 

Why is there a difference between quota and non-quota catch recording?

A risk-based approach has been taken to the implementation of this new catch recording requirement; that is why there is a difference in the way that quota and non-quota species will be recorded. For quota species, the risk to fish stocks and the importance of improving data collected, to ensure better fisheries management and future sustainability, justifies the introduction of new recording requirements. The new service will now be introduced as part of a phased roll-out.

 

Will I have to pay for this?

There are no subscription fees. The owner/skipper will be responsible for having a phone with a suitable contract that allows them to send their catch record over the network.

 

Who will pay for the devices?

It is up to the owners/skippers to ensure that they have the necessary device to enable them to comply.

 

Many under 10 metre fishers earn modest incomes - how will they be able to afford a smartphone or other device?

There are a number of suitable low cost smartphone options. It is not necessary to have a top of the range iPhone or Android phone.

 

Is this for me?

This licence variation will affect all English and Welsh licensed fishing boats under 10 metres in length.

 

What happens if I can’t use digital technology? Or I don’t have access to a smartphone or a computer?

Some fishers struggle with modern technology or may not have access to either a home PC, laptop or smart phone – what then?

An assisted digital service is being set up that will allow fishers who are unable to complete a catch record via smartphone or computer to record their catch through the contact centre.

 

When is this coming into effect?

Comments from the fishing industry, received as part of this consultation, have led the MMO and Welsh Government to plan a phased roll-out of the catch recording service. The implementation plan is currently being developed and more detail will be shared over the summer. We expect the first phase of the service to start at the end of July 2019.

 

How will I know when I need to start using it?

Vessel owners/operators will be informed by email or letter and asked to register and also register skippers who may need to use the service on their behalf.

 

Why do I need to register to set the new catch recording service up in advance?

Your profile, which you will set up with a unique, secure login is created when you register. The first time you use the service it will prompt you to choose your preferences and favourites based on what, how and where you fish. This information will be saved and carried over, so, the next time you log your catch, the service will become quicker and easier to use.

 

Where can I get help with the new system?

The new service has been tested throughout its development by more than 100 fishers. Feedback from volunteers has shown that the system is quick and easy to use and the process becomes easier still with regular use. There will be guidance online to help those using the system and for anyone experiencing difficulties there will be a helpline to call. Welsh Government will be running a number of training events and the MMO will be running face-to-face sessions to demonstrate the system.

 

Will this replace reporting and recording that I’m already doing?

In most cases yes. The completion of a catch record for under 10 metre vessels will replace the current requirements for the submission of NEP1 and MSAR1 forms. Catch records will also replace the requirement for the owners/operators of under 10 metre vessels to complete a log book when leasing fish quota and/or when fishing in 2 ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Seas) areas (currently IV4/VIId and VIId/VIIe). Vessel licence conditions will be changed to reflect the new requirements.

 

Will this include shellfish catch reporting using the MSAR1 form? I already fill out monthly shellfish returns.

Yes, the MSAR1 will be replaced by this system of catch recording. However, depending on your location, local IFCAs may require additional information.

 

What information will I have to provide?

The requirement is to record the port where landing took place, fish species, catch weight, sea area (sub rectangle) and gear used, as well as discards and fish below minimum conservation reference size.

 

I catch quota and non-quota species. Do I need to submit separate catch records for quota and non-quota catch landed from the same day’s fishing? Can I submit separate catch records for non-quota and quota catch at different times?

No, you should not complete separate catch records. You should complete one catch record using a smartphone or laptop when you return to port/harbour/beach. If you catch mixed quota and non-quota species the catch record for all must be submitted before fish are landed. Those owners/skippers catching non-quota species only will have 24 hours to record their catch using a mobile device, laptop or personal computer.

 

I don’t have scales. Are you going to prosecute me on my estimations?

To weigh the fish caught, will every boat have to invest in digital scales? Who will pay for them?

Based on the responses to this consultation, we have moved away from the requirement to provide exact weights on the landing declaration. Only estimated weight will be required. Digital scales are not necessary; the MMO currently uses mechanical scales when weighing fish at sea. There will be a margin of tolerance of 10% on weights submitted.

 

What if there is no phone signal?

The service allows you to complete your catch record offline and submit it. When the phone receives signal it will be automatically sent.

 

What if there is no internet connection?

We often work in sea areas or coastal areas with limited or no internet connection – what then?

There is no requirement to complete the catch record at sea. However, the service allows you to complete your catch record offline and submit it. When the phone receives signal it will be automatically sent.

 

What if the battery runs out?

Loss of signal, battery power or loss/breakage of a phone or laptop will not prevent fishing, transport or sale of catches. If a device runs out of battery power, fishers can phone the contact centre using a borrowed phone, or from a landline when they get home. They will have to declare why they are calling in their catch in these cases.

 

What if I break my phone, or lose it? Is there a back-up paper system similar to the MSAR form or can I use a home PC/laptop?

In such cases, users will be able to phone into the contact centre using a borrowed phone or when they get home. They will have to declare why they are calling in their catch in these cases.

 

What happens if the app doesn’t work?

In this situation, owners and skippers will be able to phone in their catch to the contact centre. The contact centre will record the catch offline and enter the information when the system is up and running once again.

 

Will fishers be compensated for loss of earnings (time at sea) due to a faulty app or device and/or delays to secure parts of complete the repair?

Information can be recorded offline by the contact centre when there is a fault with the app or a break in service for any other reason. Therefore, there should be no reason, linked to the new catch recording app, why this situation should prevent a vessel from spending time at sea. Compensation will not be available.

 

Smartphones do not respond well to wet/damp hands or rubber gloves and screens are small and difficult to use at times (for example in rough seas, in the dark, in cold weather, when navigating sections of water and rivers). I’m assuming a catch report must be submitted before landing catch or can I complete at home on a PC?

There are a number of waterproof smartphone covers that can be purchased. There is no requirement to complete a catch record at sea, only to record the catch before landing if there is quota species, or species subject to a catch limit on board. If no quota species have been caught, then the catch record can be completed at home as long as it is done within 24 hours.

 

Is the information I provide stored safely?

What information will be transmitted and to whom, post-Brexit? There are concerns about sharing commercially sensitive information

The data is sent to the MMO and is held securely in compliance with the latest data protection regulations. It will only be used by fisheries authorities for fisheries management purposes. Vessel owners/skippers will receive secure logins to record their catches as well as access to all of their information supplied. This will give each owner/skipper a clear audit trail of past activity, which should be useful for future fishing.

 

Will vessels from countries other than England and Wales be covered by these new catch recording requirements?

Scotland already has a system for recording catches from under 10 metre vessels. Northern Ireland intend to introduce their system at a later date. Some crown dependencies may be introducing a similar catch reporting system.

 

What about the 10 to 12 metre vessels? Are you targeting the small vessels?

What about over 10 metre vessels that are under 12 metre? These do not have an e-log and are not covered by this app consultation. They seem to be in a gap, is this correct?

Fishing administrations already receive paper records from 10 to 12 metre vessels. After the phased roll-out of this new catch recording service to under 10 metre fishing boats, the development of a suitable digital solution for the 10 to 12 metre fleet will be explored.

 

Is the intention to continue with a paper-based system, at least for an interim period? If so does this have to be expanded to cover the additional fisheries?

All 10 to 12 metre vessels will continue to complete paper log books, as will those under 10 metre vessels that are members of a producer organisation and currently complete a log book.

 

When completing the catch log, estimated and actual weights are required. Why not just submit the actual catch weight?

It is difficult for us to send exact weights of fish within 48 hours; our catch goes into a chiller for four to five days, then it is transported to market and this adds another day before we receive a ticket with exact weights on it.

Over the weekend, fish remain iced and refrigerated and this can exceed 48 hours as I wait for the actual fish ticket weights from the fish merchant. What then?

What is the point of submitting twice (estimated and exact weights)? All of my fish is landed through a fish market and trawler agents; the MMO gets the information about what fish I have landed from them already.

We have moved away from exact weights on the landing declaration, so they will now just record the estimated weight on landing. The proposal had included the additional requirement for all catches (quota and non-quota) to submit a landing declaration within 48 hours of fish leaving the vessel. Following several responses to this consultation, raising concerns about double reporting, this requirement has now been removed.

 

What type of app will it be?

There is an IOS for iPhone and iPad and an Android app.

 

Can the catch recording/reporting be completed on a home PC or laptop? Could this be done within four hours of landing?

Only if you have no quota species or species subject to a catch limit on board. In those cases you have 24 hours to submit a catch record. Quota species must be recorded before landing.

 

When entering estimated weights do you need to do this within a certain percentage of the exact figure? We do not weigh the fish at sea, we rely on the fish merchant.

There will be a margin of tolerance of 10% above and below the actual weight. An owner/skipper can purchase their own scales if they wish to provide a more accurate record.

 

The margin of tolerance (-10% to +10% on actual catch weights) favours those catching large amounts of fish. For those owners/skippers who catch relatively small amounts of fish there is less room for error, this doesn’t seem fair.

We believe that the margin of tolerance should be workable for all owners/skippers in the under 10 metre fishing fleet. An owner/skipper can purchase their own scales if they wish to provide a more accurate record.

 

Is a smartphone suitable for this type of application? I have taken part in the research and used the prototype on a laptop. Electronic log reporting on the large screen of a laptop is better for this.

Testing with more than 100 fishers has shown that smartphones are suitable for this application. Catch records can be sent from a vessel using a laptop or a smartphone depending on personal choice. The skipper/owner of the vessel would have to supply the laptop.

 

Can different users complete the logbook and the landing declaration?

The owner can nominate any number of skippers to record the catch for a vessel. Those nominated will have to register for the service before they are able to use it. Feedback from this consultation has led to the removal of the requirement for a separate landing declaration.

 

Will there be a requirement for under 10 metre vessel skippers to report discards under the landing obligation on the new app?

Yes, there is a place to record discards.

 

How will catch recording feed into the International Catch Certificate requirements and the EU fish transport documents?

At present they will need to be completed separately.

 

How will different returns be integrated into the new system? Will fine detail be lost? Will further burdens be placed upon fishers?

MSAR1s will be replaced by this system. However, depending on your location, local IFCAs may require additional information.