waters with new log books for fishermen.

Environment Minister the Hon. Gerald Simons presented the first copies of the "Bermuda Sport Fishing Log Book'' to local anglers at a ceremony last week.

The logs will also help show which fish are caught most often and to record how large the fish are and which species are abundant.

"I am asking amateur fishermen to help the fisheries division by keeping an accurate record of their catches,'' said Mr. Simons.

"A similar programme has proven very effective in the United States Virgin Islands.'' Mr. Simons added, "The data gained from recreational anglers' log books were very helpful to fisheries managers.'' The book is designed to keep records of species, size of fish, and types of bait used when fishing either from shore or out on the water.

The log books serve as a daily diary for anglers. It also contains listings of international and Bermuda game fish records, safety information and lunar data.

The books to be used mainly by recreational fishermen are available to anyone who goes fishing on a regular basis.

The log books are printed on waterproof paper and are bound with stainless steel staples to keep them together in wet and salty conditions.

The log books are free and can be found at tackle shops, marinas, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Parks in Paget, the Coney Island Fisheries Facility and the West End Fisheries Warden's Office at Dockyard.