Electronic reporting for Queensland trawl fishers

Under new independent onboard monitoring legislation, mandatory electronic reporting using the Qld eFisher app will be progressively introduced across:

• all commercial fin fish trawl fishery vessels – T4 fishery symbol
• east coast otter trawl fishery vessels that account for 90% of fishing effort – T1, T2, M and M2 fishery symbols.

Electronic reporting is being rolled out on a regional basis and will take effect in:

• southern inshore and offshore trawl regions on 1 November 2026
• northern and central trawl regions on 1 March 2027
• Moreton Bay trawl region on 1 July 2027.

From these dates, all reporting will be submitted through the Qld eFisher app. Fisheries Queensland will not accept paper logbooks.

How to get ready for the changes

Complete these steps early to make sure you're ready for the changes.

• Confirm you can access your FishNet Secure account.
  • The Qld eFisher app uses the same login details as FishNet Secure, so make sure your account is working.
  • Watch this video to learn how to sign in to your FishNet Secure account.
• Create a FishNet Secure account (PDF, 1.4MB) if you don't have one.
  • Watch this video about how to register a FishNet Secure account.
• Reset your password (PDF, 1.4MB) if you've forgotten it.
  • Watch this video about how to reset your password.
  • Keep your login details somewhere safe and accessible, including when you're at sea.
• Check that your contact details are up to date (PDF, 1.4MB).
• Set up your Commercial Fisher in Control association(s) (PDF, 181KB).
  • This links you to your primary commercial fishing licence, allowing you to access vessel information and complete reporting in the Qld eFisher app.
• Update your phone or tablet to the latest available software version.
  • The app works on both phones and tablets, but many fishers find a tablet easier to use because of the larger screen.
• Download the Qld eFisher app and log in.

Training and support

Fisheries Queensland will provide free one-on-one training and support to help trawl fishers transition to the Qld eFisher app.

Whether you’re already comfortable using apps or have never used electronic reporting before, our team can help you:

• set up the Qld eFisher app
• understand your reporting requirements
• learn how to complete and submit logbooks and notices
• troubleshoot common issues
• become confident using the system.

Qld eFisher app training sessions

Fisheries Queensland will deliver Qld eFisher app training across regional Queensland before the start of electronic reporting in each trawl region.

Sessions will run for up to 2.5 hours, with a range of time slots available. You can also request a training session before the scheduled training dates for your region.

Register for Qld eFisher app training

• Southern inshore and offshore trawl regions – October 2026
• Northern and central trawl regions – February 2027
• Moreton Bay region – June 2027

Protected species workshops

You can also attend free one-day threatened, endangered and protected (TEP) species workshops in key trawl ports across Queensland.

These workshops will provide practical information and support to help you manage TEP species interactions with confidence.

These practical workshops will cover:

• TEP species identification
• reporting TEP species interactions
• tools to support identification and reporting, including the Qld eFisher app, back-deck posters and photo identification review
• safe handling techniques and first aid to improve fisher safety, reduce adverse events and improve post-release outcomes for protected species
• information and opportunities to participate in TEP species research projects, including bycatch reduction device trials, genetic sampling, satellite tagging and crew-member observer programs.

Register for a protected species workshop

Register for a TEP species workshop in October 2026, February 2027 or May 2027.

More information

• Read the frequently asked questions about electronic reporting for Queensland trawl fishers.
• Email efisher@dpi.qld.gov.au.
• Contact us online, by phone or in person.