Request for Comments: Proposed Rule to Implement Electronic Reporting for Commercial Vessels in the Gulf of America and South Atlantic

Key Messages:

• NOAA Fisheries is seeking public comment on a proposed rule to implement the Commercial Electronic Logbook Amendmentsthat would require commercially permitted vessels to submit landings information on electronic reporting forms.
• 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 proposed rule is expected to enhance the accuracy of logbook data collected from federally permitted commercial fishermen.
• The Commercial Electronic Logbook Amendments were approved by the Secretary of Commerce. NOAA Fisheries will consider all public comments received when developing the final rule.

Summary of the Proposed Rule:

• The proposed rule 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 program 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 seven days after the end of each fishing trip-the same timeframe as the current paper process.
• Prior to the implementation date of a final rule, NOAA Fisheries will contact each commercial permit holder by mail and email. Outreach sessions will also 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.
• 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.

How to Comment On the Proposed Rule:

The comment period for the proposed rule is open now through June 25, 2026. Comments submitted on the amendments 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-2025-0570-0024

2. Click the "Comment" 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: 91 FR 30604, May 26, 2026

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

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