What is an e-logbook?

An electronic logbook, or e-logbook, is the digital record of a fishing trip. It notes where the boat worked, what gear it used, and what was caught and discarded.

ERS means Electronic Recording and Reporting System. It is the channel a master uses to send that record to the flag state. In Ireland, the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) is the authority for that reporting. The SFPA supplies ieCatch, its electronic logbook, for vessels that report to the authority.

FLUX is the Fisheries Language for Universal Exchange, the UN/CEFACT standard the EU uses when authorities exchange fisheries data. Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/2196 tells flag states to use the Fishing Activity Domain schema based on UN/FLUX when they send logbook, prior-notification, transhipment, and landing data between authorities.

Where CatchOS fits

CatchOS is an offline-first digital e-logbook and fleet data platform for Irish commercial fishing, built in Ireland.

Skippers record the trip on an iPad, including when there is no signal. The day's log follows the EU FLUX format. Direct EU FLUX integration is planned.

CatchOS does not send records to the SFPA. It is separate from the authority's reporting system, and it does not file a log for the master.

Read the 2026 control changes, how recording works offline at sea, or what the shore office sees.