Pilot Study: Implementation of Electronic Logbooks on Headboats Operating in the U.S. South Atlantic

The U.S. Southeast Region Headboat Survey (SRHS) administered by NOAA Fisheries currently distributes paper logbooks to vessel operators, who record trip-level catch and effort data.  Historically, the time between in-season generation and delivery for paper forms is 3-5 months, and end-of-fishing-year estimates of catch and effort are subject to similar delay.  For twelve months during 2009-2010, both paper and electronic-form reports were processed voluntarily by seven (7) headboat operators in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.  Study participants were requested to submit two forms of identical data.  Paper-form reporting was executed as per standard SRHS protocols.  Electronic-form reporting was executed on computers owned by vessel representatives via a novel software application; data were transmitted to a secure digital storage facility via the Internet. 

Electronic reporting was effectively tested for a subset of headboats located along the southeastern U.S. Atlantic coast.  A total of 4,859 species records were transmitted, describing the fishing activity of 14,900 anglers on 719 trips.  Electronic reporting methods were evaluated to resolve and validate potential advantages in reliability, accuracy, compliance and timeliness.  To assess accuracy, bioprofile records from dockside sampling were examined from 77 trips where electronic catch records were available.  Comparing species present in both data sources resulted in 67% agreement.  Comparing trips reported by electronic logbook to paper-form Headboat Activity Reports resulted in 93% agreement.  The average time between generation and availability for electronic-form data was 20 days; the median was 9 days; the maximum was 107 days. 

The electronic-form reporting method yielded inherent improvements in reliability and timeliness of data delivery over paper-form reporting.  Recommendations: (1) a fleet-wide implementation of electronic logbook methods; (2) provide bolstered technical support services during the initial transition from paper-form reporting to electronic-form reporting, with additional support for out-years; (3) large-scale implementation of electronic logbooks to be coupled with a restatement of SRHS objectives, enhanced training for vessel operatives, and vigorous orientation to new data entry methods;  (4) utilize Federal headboat samplers to provide a “local” level of quality control and training; and (5) institute effective regulatory and enforcement infrastructure before mandating a transition from paper- to electronic-form reporting.

Recommendations for software application improvements were documented throughout pilot study, which include:  (1) a web-based portal; (2) additional visual aids for electronic logbook applications (e.g., maps of fishing area and species identification aids); and (3) “smart menus” which track users’ past entries to adaptively simplify future data entry.