Key Messages:
- The NOAA Fisheries is seeking comments on proposed changes to reporting for commercial vessels in the Gulf of America and Atlantic.
- Currently, fishermen with a federal commercial permit for Gulf of America Reef Fish, South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper, Atlantic Dolphin and Wahoo, or Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf and Atlantic must complete, and then submit, paper logbooks with trip-level information seven days after the end of each fishing trip. The paper logbooks must be mailed or hand-delivered to the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Fisheries Science Center in Miami, Florida.
- The Commercial Electronic Logbook Amendment, if implemented, would require these commercially permitted vessels to submit electronic fishing reports on electronic reporting forms approved by the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Fisheries Science Research Director. The intent of the amendment is to improve the accuracy and efficiency of logbook data collected from federally permitted commercial fishermen. NOAA Fisheries has determined that the time required to prepare, submit, and process electronic logbooks would be less than that for the current paper logbooks. In addition, NOAA Fisheries expects that reporting errors would be reduced.
Summary of Proposed Changes
- The Commercial Electronic Logbook Amendment would require federally permitted commercial fishermen (Gulf Reef Fish, South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper, Atlantic Dolphin and Wahoo, or Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources) to submit fishing reports electronically using NOAA Fisheries-approved software. If the amendment is implemented, approved software will be available on the NOAA Fisheries website.
- Fishermen would still be required to submit a completed electronic fishing report no later than 7 days after the end of each fishing trip—the same timeframe as the current paper process. Additionally, the amendment includes an electronic "no-fishing" report option.
- Prior to the implementation date of a final rule for the Commercial Electronic Logbook Amendment, NOAA Fisheries will contact each permit holder by mail and email. Outreach sessions will be scheduled prior to the implementation of the program, and NOAA Fisheries staff will be available to answer questions on how to get started with this electronic reporting program.
How to Comment On the Amendment:
The comment period for the amendment is open now through January 20, 2026. The comment period on the proposed rule is expected to fall within this same timeframe, and comments on both the amendment and proposed rule will be considered in the final rule. You may submit comments by electronic submission or by postal mail. Comments sent by any other method (such as e-mail), to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered by NOAA Fisheries.
Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal.
1. Go to: https://www.regulations.gov/document/NOAA-NMFS-2025-0570-0001
2. Click the "Comment Now!" icon, complete the required fields.
3. Enter or attach your comments.
Mail: Submit written comments to:
NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office,
Sustainable Fisheries Division
263 13th Avenue South
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701-5505
Formal Federal Register Name/Number: 90 FR 52349, November 20, 2025
Sign Up for Text Message Alerts - Find Out About Immediate Openings and Closures
NOAA's Text Message Alert Program allows you to receive important fishery-related alerts via text message (SMS). Standard message & data rates may apply. You may opt-out at any time. Comments sent by any other method (such as postal mail), to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered.
Text alerts you may receive include:
- Immediate fishery openings and closures
- Any significant changes to fishing regulations that happen quickly
Sign up for one or more of the following groups:
- Gulf of America Recreational Fisheries Related Alerts
- Text GULFRECFISH to 888777
- Gulf of America Commercial Fisheries Related Alerts
- Text GULFCOMMFISH to 888777
- South Atlantic Recreational Fisheries Related Alerts
- Text SATLRECFISH to 888777
- South Atlantic Commercial Fisheries Related Alerts
- Text SATLCOMMFISH to 888777
- Caribbean Fisheries Related Alerts
Text CARIBFISH to 888777
Quick Glance Contact List for the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office
Permits Mailbox: The Permits Office in St. Petersburg, Florida, now has a Permits mailbox in the front lobby (263 13th Ave. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701). You can now drop off original permits for permit transfers. Envelopes with information labels will be provided so that your documents can be attached to the correct application. The mailbox will be checked daily. For more information, contact the Permits Office at 877-376-4877.
Media Contact: Allison Garrett, 727-551-5750
Recreational Fishing Coordinator: Sean Meehan, 727-385-5202
Red Snapper Communications Specialist: Lauren Westcott 727-249-5881
