NOAA Fisheries is seeking public comment on a proposed rule that would require commercial fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic to switch from paper logbooks to electronic reporting under the Commercial Electronic Logbook Amendments.

The proposal would apply to federally permitted commercial vessels in the Gulf reef fish, South Atlantic snapper-grouper, Atlantic dolphin and wahoo and coastal migratory pelagic resources fisheries, a news release from NOAA regarding the proposed rule said. Those fishermen currently must complete paper logbooks and submit trip-level information within seven days after the end of each fishing trip.

Under the proposed rule, fishermen would instead submit fishing reports electronically using NOAA Fisheries-approved software. The agency said approved software would be made available on its website if the program is implemented.

The reporting deadline would remain unchanged. Fishermen would still be required to submit completed electronic fishing reports no later than seven days after the end of each fishing trip, matching the current paper requirement.

NOAA Fisheries said the change is intended to improve the accuracy of landings and effort data collected from federally permitted commercial fishermen. The agency has also determined electronic logbooks would take less time to prepare, submit and process than paper versions and would reduce reporting errors.

The Commercial Electronic Logbook Amendments were approved by the secretary of commerce. NOAA Fisheries said it will review all public comments before issuing a final rule.

Before the final implementation date, the agency plans to contact each commercial permit holder by mail and email. Outreach sessions will also be scheduled and NOAA Fisheries staff will be available to answer questions about the transition to electronic reporting.

The comment period is open now through June 25. NOAA Fisheries said comments submitted after the deadline or sent by methods other than those specified may not be considered.

Electronic comments must be submitted through the federal e-rulemaking portal at www.regulations.gov/document/NOAA-NMFS-2025-0570-0024. Users must select the comment icon, complete required fields and submit text or attachments.

Written comments may also be mailed to NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office, Sustainable Fisheries Division, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701-5505.

The proposal was published in the Federal Register as 91 FR 30604 on May 26.