[SatNews] Figures published by the MMO (Marine Management Organisation) on 15th September 2010 show that AST Marine Sciences Ltd have installed more than 85 percent of all commissioned UK fishing vessels with their Electronic Logbook (e-Log) solution, which received approval from the UK Fisheries Authorities in May 2010.

Electronic Logbooks have been implemented to record and submit fishing activity electronically which in turn will simplify the collection of recorded information and ultimately replace the current paper based system. The electronic logbook software system is based on eCatch, a real-time, electronic catch reporting and management system developed by AST MSL’s partner Dualog, based in Norway. Dualog have worked closely with vessel owners and skippers since 2007, gaining an extensive in-sight into the practicalities of the software to develop a user-friendly, simple-to-use solution. To date, eCatch had been installed in over 350 Norwegian vessels and as such is a proven and reliable solution. The software, adopted by AST MSL for e-Log, was the first system of its kind approved by DEFRA for use onboard UK registered fishing vessels. e-Log provides reporting in accordance with EU Regulations (EC) No 1077/2008 requiring vessels above 24m to be installed from 1 January 2010 and vessels above 15m from 1 July 2011.

AST Marine Science’s solution provides a three year support package including user training, a 24/7 telephone helpline, priority onboard support and data entry device exchange if required. A unique remote diagnostics tool enables faults to be dealt with while still at sea, reducing the need to return to port for update or repair... allowing fishing to continue for longer. The e-Log solution is now available from AST Marine Sciences with a range of supporting satellite communication options for transmitting the electronic logbook reports along with competitive airtime packages.