Electronic Reporting of Catch Effort Data • 13 July 2010
Electronic Reporting of Catch Effort Data is on the Horizon.
FishServe and the Ministry of Fisheries are currently in the process of designing and building a system which will allow for the electronic reporting of catch effort data. The system will allow fishers to record catch effort data using their lap top or PC then send this either directly to FishServe or, if need be, to the company office for verification and then on to FishServe.
We're aware that the introduction of this system will mark a significant change in the way catch effort returns can be submitted and for that reason want people to have as much notice of what this new reporting option means before the system is introduced. For those who don't want to use or aren't able to use the electronic reporting option the paper based form book option will still be available. You'll notice the first steps to making this new reporting regime possible with the changes that will be made to the reporting regulations in October. The changes will only apply to electronic returns.
As the project continues we'll be making updates to keep you up to play with what's happening. Updates will be regularly posted here, as well as released in 'Catch This' articles. You'll also have the option of emailing us by using the contact us link on this website and selecting 'Catch Effort Enquiry' as the subject.
Keep an eye on the website for further updates outlining how the electronic reporting system will work, who can use this system and what, if any, changes there will be for you.
13/07/2010 - Project Update
Testing of the Catch Effort software is well underway. The software has now officially been given a name and logo, CEDRIC (Catch Effort Data Return Information Capture).
We are on track to start our industry testing in August. We will be contacting those of you who signalled an interest in helping out with testing soon.
13/04/2010 - Project Update
Development of the software is continuing and we have completed a significant portion of the functionality required for this software.
We are looking at starting testing of the software in May. Once we've completed this rigorous testing we'll be looking to involve a representative group of FishServe clients in user testing before we make the product available to everyone.
09/12/2009 - Brief Overview
How it will work
Permit Holders wanting to use CE EDT will need to install software from FishServe on their computer. They will then be able to enter their Catch Effort data onto forms on their computer and submit them to FishServe via the internet. You don't need to be connected to the internet when you are entering your Catch Effort data, but you will need an internet connection when you install the software, to submit your returns to FishServe and to perform regular updates to the software. Initially only a limited number of form types will be available to CE EDT users, but additional form types will be introduced over time until all forms are available.
Who can use CE EDT
Using CE EDT will be voluntary but the Chief Executive of MFish has the authority to make it compulsory for a permit holder or class of permit holders. If you elect to use CE EDT you will need to register each vessel that you wish to use CE EDT for (you do not need to register all your vessels). However, those vessels that you do register must use CE EDT for all their Catch Effort reporting for all form types available at the time.
Permit Holders will be able to nominate Authorised Users who will be able to complete returns and/or submit them on their behalf. Each Authorised User will be issued with an access identifier (USB Token) and password that they will need to use to enter data, sign and submit forms.
Submission Deadlines
CE EDT returns will have the same submission deadlines as the current paper forms. However, the Chief Executive of MFish has the authority to set different deadlines for CE EDT returns in the future.
3rd Party Software
Other software companies will be able to develop/enhance their own software to work in conjunction with the CE EDT software. However, all 3rd party software needs to be approved by MFish. Part of the approval process will be ensuring that the software communicates correctly with FishServe's software.
28/10/2009 - Recommended System Requirements
Below are the suggested specifications for your computer if you want to be able to complete and submit your Catch Effort Returns electronically. Computers with slower processors or less memory may be able to be used, but they may perform poorly. Minimum specification will be detailed at a later date.
Supported Operating Systems
- Windows XP with SP2 or higher
- Windows Vista
- Windows 7
- Windows Server 2003 with SP2
- Windows Server 2008
Processor
- 2 GHz Intel or equivalent (or faster)
Memory (RAM)
Hard Disk space
- 1.2 GB of free space for software components
- Additional space required for the local database (will grow over time to a maximum of 4 GB)
Display
- 1024x768 (or higher) with 32 bit colour
Internet Connection
Any available means of connecting to the internet, including the following (required for installation of the software, regular updates and submission)
- Dial-up, e.g. 56K modem with a land-line
- Broadband, e.g. ADSL or cable (network card required)
- Satellite communications (e.g. Iridium OpenPort, Inmarsat FleetBroadband, etc)
Other Hardware
- Mouse and keyboard
- USB port (any version/transfer rate)
- CD/DVD drive
9/10/2009 - Legislation for CE EDT in place
Legislation to enable the electronic reporting of Catch Effort data is now in place. To view the Fisheries (Reporting) Regulations 2001
click here.
