Calling all Gulf of Alaska fixed gear groundfish harvesters! Space is available to participate in an expanded electronic logbook trial beginning in mid-2024. Real Time Data (RTD), a fisherman-founded software company, has been awarded funding by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to expand their pilot electronic logbook project to the Gulf of Alaska fixed gear groundfish fisheries, beginning during the 2024 halibut and sablefish season. Fishermen who are currently reporting on paper in Alaska’s halibut and sablefish fisheries are eligible to participate. Up to 60 additional fishermen will have the opportunity to acquire equipment and RTD’s flagship electronic logbook software, Deckhand, free of charge for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
“We had about 30 vessels last year, using deckhand as a pilot project as an electronic alternative to reporting for halibut and Black Cod primarily for the National Marine Fisheries Service, and this funding extends that to an extra 60 vessels,” said Lange Solberg, commercial fisherman and US manager for RTD.
Deckhand is becoming a wheelhouse essential to benefit fishermen and their businesses in modern times. The platform is used across dozens of fisheries in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Deckhand helps streamline onboard record-keeping and business processes, including mandatory reporting.
Weatherproof cases, mounts, and iPads running the Deckhand platform with a fixed gear logbook will be distributed to participants. The trial will run for two seasons, and fishermen will receive a $500 stipend along with the hardware to keep for participating the full project length. The Deckhand team collaborates closely with the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association, Fishing Vessel Owners’ Association, North Pacific Fisheries Association, Deep Sea Fishermen’s Union, National Marine Fisheries Service, and International Pacific Halibut Commission to coordinate the project.
“The first year of this project proved to be a success based on feedback from industry,” said Solberg. “Captains could complete their reports in a fraction of the time it took to do so on paper using Deckhand. With new catch data features and reporting that have never been seen in the wheelhouse, this next phase of the project will be a paradigm shift. I’m grateful to see this program expand with ongoing support from fishermen, project partners, and NFWF.”
Those interested in participating should reach out to their fishing association or to the Deckhand team at 360-399-6993 or info@deckhandlogbook.com for more information and to sign up. Space is already filling up and is limited.
Real-Time Data has revolutionized fisheries data collection since 2010 at its Adelaide, Australia, and Bellingham, Washington headquarters. RTD continues to lead innovation in the global fishing market with its logbook platform, Deckhand. Staff in Australia and the US are committed to providing the best technology in the world for a future of sustainable fisheries, happy fishermen, and healthy fishing businesses. Go to deckhandlogbook.com or visit @deckhandlogbook on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
