From 1 January 2013, all Norwegian vessels or over 15 meters in length must start to report catch and activity data electronically when fishing in Icelandic waters.
The change is part of the harmonisation of reporting requirements in the North Atlantic.
This implies a phase-out of the requirement to use paper logbook and manual catch and activity reports when fishing in this area.
Norwegian vessels fishing in this area must now ensure that they have an updated software from their ERS provider.
Changes are based on an agreement between Iceland and Norway on the exchange of electronic capture and activity data entered into 23 August 2011.
Icelandic vessels will commence similar electronic reporting when fishing in Norwegian waters from 1 June 2013.
To ensure a good transition to the new electronic reporting system in each other's waters, Norway and Iceland agreed that vessels fishing in each other's waters should - in parallel with the new electronic reporting - the paper logbooks and reporting catch and activity data manually. The manual reporting should be by fax in accordance with the previous regime for a transitional period of one month after 1 January 2013.
Electronic Reporting of Fishing in Icelandic Waters
NORWAY - Norwegian vessels must now use the electronic reporting system both when fishing in Icelandic waters.
by Lucy Towers
