ODFW release - Starting February 1, 2027, all vessels participating in Oregon’s ocean commercial crab fishery are required to have a functioning electronic monitoring (EM) system that automatically records vessel location and the location of individual pots using hydraulic pressure sensor readings. See OAR 635-005-0446 for EM regulations. ODFW now has a dedicated EM webpage where you can learn more about Oregon’s EM requirements, where to purchase units that currently meet them, and how to get reimbursed for equipment purchase. For additional compliance information and supporting documents visit the EM webpage. EM systems that meet Oregon’s requirements, and where to get one: To provide maximum flexibility, EM regulations lay out system requirements (reporting rates, data access, etc.) but do not specify a particular vendor or equipment type. Vessels that participate in the Washington coastal commercial crab fishery and have EM systems that comply with Washington’s EM rules are already compliant with Oregon’s EM rules. Vessels that participate in the California commercial crab fishery and have EM systems that comply with California’s EM rules may become compliant with addition of a hydraulic pressure sensor. Federal vessel monitoring systems (VMS) do not satisfy Oregon’s operating requirements. VMS reporting rates for federally managed fisheries range between one to four times per hour, whereas Oregon requires vessel location once per minute and hydraulic pressure readings once every 10 seconds. In addition, VMS data cannot be made available to ODFW in the time frames required. While it may be possible to increase the reporting rate of federal VMS units, the cost of data transmission would likely be prohibitively expensive. Potential service providers: Through our electronic logbook pilot program, we are aware of two service providers that have VMS units and hydraulic sensors that currently meet our reporting requirements. Please note that the use of brand names or mention of specific commercial products or services herein does not imply endorsement by ODFW or our partners, nor does it indicate any preference or discrimination against similar brands, products, or services not listed. ODFW cannot guarantee the quality of any referenced products and it is the responsibility of each user to verify that any chosen device meets all required specifications. Please contact the EM Program if you have questions or are aware of other products or manufacturers that may comply with requirements. Archipelago Marine Research: The primary channel for fishers to purchase their Archipelago FishVue LIME VMS unit and hydraulic sensor will be through Englund Marine, either in-store or online via the Englund Marine webstore. Viatrax: ODFW is aware of one other VMS unit (below) that was not part of our electronic logbook testing program but may meet requirements and is currently being evaluated for compliance. The EM webpage will be updated when the evaluation is complete. Teem Fish/PinPoint Earth: Hydraulic pressure sensors: For those purchasing hydraulic units only, please check with your VMS unit provider to ensure that the hydraulic sensor you are considering purchasing uses the correct voltage and is compatible with your VMS unit. Hydraulic pressure sensors may also be purchased through the VMS unit providers listed above. Sensors that have been used in our electronic logbook pilot program are listed below. TE Connectivity MSP300 can be purchased on the website. Reimbursement Program: To offset costs to fishery participants, ODFW is pleased to offer financial support to the crab fleet to meet the new EM requirements. Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission will be administering reimbursements of up to $800 to eligible fishery participants for compliant equipment. Reimbursable expenses include the VMS unit, hydraulic sensor, necessary cables and connectors, and shipping but DO NOT include data transmission service (also known as “airtime”) or installation costs. Reimbursement applications may be submitted beginning October 1, 2026. To ensure the full reimbursement amount, documents must be submitted by April 1, 2027. Eligibility: Oregon Ocean Commercial Dungeness Crab Permit holders are eligible for reimbursement of one EM system per permit under this program. An individual acting on behalf of a permit holder (e.g., a vessel owner, operator, or business representative) may also apply for this reimbursement. To be eligible for reimbursement, the EM system must comply with Oregon’s requirements. Permit holders that are not eligible for reimbursement include: Those that previously received an Archipelago FishVue LIME VMS unit and/or hydraulic pressure sensor for either the Washington or California crab fisheries. Those that previously received a Viatrax Boat Command VMS unit and a hydraulic pressure sensor as part of ODFW’s electronic logbook pilot project. Please note vessels that received a Faria Beede Sentry 500, CLS NEMO, or Ashcroft hydraulic sensor under ODFW’s electronic logbook pilot project must replace their instruments and are eligible for reimbursement. To learn more about the reimbursement program, please visit our EM webpage. Electronic Logbook Application: Logbooks are still required in the commercial crab fishery. ODFW will make an electronic logbook that integrates with EM systems available for voluntary use this season. The electronic logbook will improve the quality, speed, and usability of data received by ODFW, while lessening the recordkeeping burden for fishery participants. Those who choose not to use the electronic logbook will be required to maintain a paper logbook. If interested, the electronic logbook application is now available to download from the App Store for devices using iOS or GooglePlay for Android devices. To use the logbook app, users must create an account within the app and register their active VMS device to the account. Electronic logbook training: Harbor Light Software (HLS) will hold four training sessions in Astoria, Newport, North Bend, and Brookings during the last week of October 2026 for those that are interested in learning about the electronic logbook application. HLS and ODFW staff will be on hand to help set up your account and provide a demonstration of how to use the application. For those unable to attend training sessions in person, a recording will be made available online. More information about the training sessions will be shared in the near future and posted on the EM webpage. If you have questions about any of the information contained in this notice, contact the EM Program at 541-857-2522 or [email protected].