Fishermen Told to Ditch Paper Logbooks for Pixels
Published Date: 5/26/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
Starting soon, commercial fishermen in the Gulf, South Atlantic, and Atlantic will need to switch from paper to electronic logbooks to report their catches. This change will make data more accurate and easier to manage, with some tweaks to the info they must provide. Comments on this new rule are open until June 25, 2026, so fishermen and others can share their thoughts before it’s final.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 2 mixed.
Possible Continued Duplicate Reporting for Multi‑permit Vessels
If your vessel holds permits managed by multiple NMFS regions or programs (for example GARFO eVTRs, Gulf/South Atlantic CFLP, IFQ or ITQ programs), you may still need to submit multiple reports per trip while NMFS evaluates options to streamline reporting to reduce redundancy.
Paper Logbooks Replaced by Electronic
If you own or operate a federally permitted commercial fishing vessel for the listed Gulf, South Atlantic, or Atlantic fisheries, you would be required to submit required logbooks electronically rather than on paper. If this rule is finalized, paper logbooks would no longer be accepted and you must comply with electronic reporting to renew or transfer a Federal commercial permit.
Must Use NMFS‑Approved Electronic Software
You must submit electronic fishing reports using NMFS‑approved software posted on the NMFS Southeast Region website and the software must meet ACCSP database requirements. Approved software providers will be listed on NMFS' website.
Free ACCSP App; Other Vendors May Charge
The ACCSP software that meets NMFS requirements would be available free to fishermen, and NMFS is testing a downloadable phone and computer application; other approved vendors may offer additional apps and may charge fees. Apps must provide user help desks.
Changes to Required Logbook Data Fields
The rule would add six data fields (one optional), remove three fields, and modify two fields in the logbook to integrate with the ACCSP database (a net increase of two required fields). Specific additions include trip start time, trip end date/time, trip type, and primary area fished; signature would be replaced by a perjury statement.
Submission Time and Catastrophic Waivers
Electronic fishing records must be submitted no later than 7 days after the end of each fishing trip (and no-fishing reports no later than 7 days after the end of the month). During catastrophic conditions, NMFS' Regional Administrator may modify or waive reporting time requirements for affected participants and will notify via the Federal Register and other means.
Estimated Time Per Electronic Report
NMFS estimates the public reporting burden averages 10 minutes per electronic fishing report and 2 minutes per electronic no‑fishing report; NMFS does not expect the previously approved burden estimates to change.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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