Defra funds e-logbooks – Fishupdate.com

UK fisheries minister, Jonathan Shaw has announced that Defra will fund the cost of installing electronic logbooks on English trawlers where required.

This will be implemented during 2009/10 for vessels over 24metres, and 2010/11 for vessels between 15m and 24metres.

Defra will fund any “reasonable costs” incurred in installing equipment needed to comply with EU Regulations. This is expected to cost some £170,000 in 2009/10 and £220,000 in 2010-11.

In 2006 European Ministers agreed to the introduction of electronic recording and reporting of fishing activities for certain groups including registered buyers and sellers of first sale fish and also fishing vessels over 15 metres in overall length.

Jonathan Shaw is writing to Barrie Deas (NFFO) and Jim Portus (UKAFPO) informing them of his decision.

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