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FACTS Charter Reporting

​Spend more time being a waterman and less time reporting.

 
 
E-Reporting with FACTS allows charter captains in Maryland's Chesapeake Bay and tributaries to submit harvest reports directly to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources electronically on the day of harvest. The FACTS mobile web application makes it possible for captains to have 24/7 access to their harvest records, provide fisheries managers real-time harvest information, and could help to manage your business. You can report on your desktop, tablet, smartphone, or through the call center.


E-Reporting Sign Up Button​  FACTS Charter User Manual      ​
​​                  ​​                FACTS Program
User Manual		 ​FACTS Program
Brochure​		 E-Reporting with FACTS
Charter Quick Start Guide​​		 ​                         
 



Program Update - May 28, 2020: Due to the executive order by Governor Hogan, the E-Reporting with FACTS in-person Charter training sessions have been cancelled. The E-Reporting Team is working remotely and appreciates your patience as we continue our outreach and training efforts. Online and video training options for new Charter users are available and take less than thirty minutes to complete. Please use the E-Reporting Sign Up button to learn more about the pilot program and get started with FACTS. 

Available Training Options: 
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  • Online Training - This tutorial takes about 30 minutes and covers everything you would hear at an in-person Charter training session.  It is a self-paced combination of brief videos and information that lets you get the most out of your FACTS account. The link to the training will be emailed to you by the E-Reporting Team.
  • Fast FACTS Video - This brief program overview is about 10 minutes long and covers just the basics for the FACTS Charter program. It is designed to help get people started with FACTS and then we'll offer in-person training at a later date when circumstances allow. The link to the supporting Training Documents is available on our website and the Fast FACTS video link will be emailed to you by the E-Reporting Team..​
  • Mentoring - Know a FACTS user? See if they can show you the basics and we'll provide the training support with the Training Documents and program videos. Please be safe and observe appropriate social distancing requirements when working with others. 

​​​​​​​​​​NOTE:  All program participants need a DNRid in order to have a FACTS account.  If you need a DNRid, please use the COMPASS Tutorial to sign-in and create an account in the COMPASS licensing system​ to have one assigned to you.
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May 1, 2020 - Charter Pilot Program Launched!​



Our sincere thanks to the volunteer group of captains who participated in developing the new FACTS Charter Pilot reporting system and training options. Despite the additional challenges posed by the current health emergency, the program successfully launched on Saturday, May 1. New participants were able to use their FACTS accounts in time for the start of the 2020 striped bass season and the program flexibility for two fish per angler went into effect on Saturday, May 16.

Throughout the entire development process, the strong support of the charter industry and associations made an enormous difference to the program's overall success. As of June 1, the Charter Pilot program has over 67% of the for-hire fleet participating and already more than 1000 trips have been taken by captains using FACTS. It is a strong start to the program and our volunteer captains will be providing ongoing feedback throughout the first year of the pilot. 

 

 

        Get a head start! 

Sign up to be contacted by the E-Reporting Team 
and receive more information.

Missing harvest reports? Get a harvest report checkup and submit any missing reports prior to joining the program. You can print blank copies of all the required harvest reports online. Please contact the commercial harvest reporting group at​ FisheriesHarvestReport.dnr@maryland.gov​ or 410-260-8301 for assistance.

Have a TFL or other finfish license? If you are interested in joining the FACTS program for your Blue Crab and/or Finfish reporting, contact us today to get started. You’ll be able to report all your harvest activity online and use the program’s special flexibilities. There are several options for learning how to report electronically and we can help you find the way that works best for you.​


For more information, contact the program coordinator,
Stephanie Richards,
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