We want to inform groundfish trawl vessels of a pending change in the process for completing and submitting the trawl logbook
Currently, the states of Washington, Oregon, and California administer the trawl logbook on behalf of the Pacific Fishery Management Council and NOAA Fisheries.
In December 2018, the California Fish and Game Commission voted to repeal its requirement for commercial trawl vessels targeting federal groundfish to complete and submit the state's trawl logbook. Because the information collected on the logbook is vital to the management and enforcement of the groundfish trawl fishery, NOAA Fisheries will create a new federal requirement for the logbook.
Beginning July 1, 2019, California will hand over the administration of the logbook for groundfish trawl vessels in California to NOAA Fisheries, in partnership with the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC). There will be no change to the logbook requirement for vessels currently submitting logbooks to the states of Washington and Oregon.
We intend to publish a rule this spring to prevent any disruption in the requirement to submit logbooks. We will provide more information at that time on any new instructions for submitting completed logbooks, and we expect minimal disruption to the existing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will there be a change in the data I need to submit or how often I need to submit it?
No. NOAA Fisheries will use the existing trawl logbook form, PSMFC will continue to provide and distribute copies of the logbook to affected vessels. Logbooks will continue to be due on the 10th of the month after which fishing activities have occurred.
I submit logbooks in Washington and Oregon, will there be a change for me?
No. For vessels in Washington and Oregon, the state logbook submission requirements will remain the same
What about other California logbooks for trawl vessels, like for California halibut, sea cucumber, and shrimp/prawn?
All other California state managed trawl fisheries (e.g., California halibut, sea cucumber, shrimp/prawn) are still required to complete and submit either the state's trawl log or shrimp/prawn log.
