As fishing enthusiasts gear up for another year on the water, NOAA Fisheries is offering a timely reminder of three ways to stay updated on vital fishing regulations in the Southeast region.

Known as the "blue sheets," these bulletins provide updates on fishing regulations, season openings, closures and other critical information designed to keep commercial and recreational fishers informed and compliant with the latest guidelines.

Starting in 2025, fishers can choose to receive NOAA Fisheries' Southeast Fishery Bulletins through email, mail or text message notifications, giving them flexibility in how they access this essential information.

THREE WAYS TO SUBSCRIBE

Electronic/e-mail bulletins

For those who prefer fast, eco-friendly options, NOAA Fisheries offers digital bulletins sent directly to subscribers' inboxes. Accessible by signing up at NOAA's Southeast Regional Fisheries News page, email bulletins come in full color and often feature additional resources through informational links. For current subscribers, there is no need to re-enroll.

Traditional mail

NOAA Fisheries will continue to send printed bulletins to those who prefer physical copies, but subscribers must confirm their mailing preferences to receive bulletins beyond Dec. 31. To continue receiving paper copies, fishers must submit a completed form to NOAA Fisheries at the following address: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Southeast Regional Office, Sustainable Fisheries Division, 263 13th Avenue South, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701.

Without this confirmation, mailed bulletins will be discontinued in the new year.

Text message alerts

For immediate updates on fishery openings, closures and urgent regulatory changes, NOAA's Text Message Alert Program offers quick, convenient alerts sent directly to mobile devices. Fishers can subscribe to tailored alerts for recreational or commercial fishing across the Gulf of Mexico, South Atlantic and Caribbean regions:

Gulf of Mexico Recreational: Text "GULFRECFISH" to 888777

Gulf of Mexico Commercial: Text "GULFCOMMFISH" to 888777

South Atlantic Recreational: Text "SATLRECFISH" to 888777

South Atlantic Commercial: Text "SATLCOMMFISH" to 888777

Caribbean Fisheries: Text "CARIBFISH" to 888777

EFFECTIVE DATE AND REMINDERS

These subscription options will be effective starting Jan. 1, 2025. NOAA Fisheries encourages fishers to choose the method best suited to their needs and remain compliant with any subscription updates before the year's end. For more information visit www.fisheries.noaa.gov/region/southeast.