Electronic Logbook Reporting in Commercial Fisheries of the Gulf of America and Atlantic
Summary
This regulation requires commercial fishing boats operating in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean to use electronic logbooks instead of paper records to report what they catch. The change aims to give government agencies better real-time data about fish populations to help protect ocean resources and ensure sustainable fishing practices.
Key Points
- 1Commercial fishing vessels must switch from handwritten paper logs to electronic reporting systems for catch data
- 2The rule applies to fishing operations in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean waters
- 3Electronic logbooks will give NOAA and fishery managers faster, more accurate information about fish catches and ocean conditions
- 4The public can submit comments about this proposed rule until January 21, 2026
- 5Better catch data helps protect overfished species and supports the long-term health of commercial fishing industries
Key Dates
November 20, 2025
This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.
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