Fishermen Must Swap Paper Logs for Digital Catch Reports
Published Date: 11/20/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
Starting soon, commercial fishermen in the Gulf of America and Atlantic will need to switch from paper to electronic logbooks to report their catches. This change aims to make data more accurate and easier to handle, with some tweaks to the info they must provide. If you fish commercially in these areas, get ready to go digital and send your feedback by January 20, 2026!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 2 mixed.
Mandatory switch to electronic logbooks
If you are the owner or operator of a vessel with a Federal commercial permit for coastal migratory pelagics (CMP), Atlantic dolphinfish (dolphin) and wahoo, South Atlantic snapper-grouper, or Gulf reef fish, you would be required to submit your required logbook in electronic form instead of mailing paper logbooks. Reports must be submitted on NMFS‑approved software and still be completed no later than 7 days after the end of each fishing trip.
Software, internet, and potential vendor costs
You must use NMFS‑approved electronic software that is compatible with the ACCSP database. ACCSP's software would be available free to fishermen, but other approved vendors may offer apps that charge a fee. You will need internet access (Wi‑Fi or cellular) to download the application and to submit reports, though data entry can occur offline and be submitted later.
Paper logbooks eliminated; permit compliance tied to electronic reporting
If NMFS implements the final rule, paper logbooks would no longer be accepted and you must comply with the electronic reporting requirements to renew or transfer a Federal commercial permit. NMFS will contact permit holders by mail and email and provide outreach before implementation.
Changes to required logbook data fields
The amendments would add and remove specific data fields in the logbook (for example, add trip start time, trip end date/time, trip type, and primary area fished; remove state trip ticket number and payment of catch). The paper signature would be replaced by a required perjury statement that the submitter affirms the data are accurate before electronic submission.
Overlapping regional reporting may continue
If you hold Federal permits from multiple regional NMFS offices (for example, Southeast and Greater Atlantic), you may still need to submit multiple electronic reports per trip to comply with each permit's reporting requirements. NMFS is evaluating options to streamline reporting but has not changed those multiple-reporting requirements in this action.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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