For Immediate Release
October 26, 2023
After hearing a summary of public comment received, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council took Final Action on an amendment being developed in conjunction with the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council to require commercial reef fish and coastal migratory pelagic permit holders to submit logbooks electronically, rather than mailing paper logbooks. The Gulf and South Atlantic Councils both chose to transition the commercial Coastal Logbook Reporting Program to an electronic reporting platform across the southeast region.
If approved and implemented, the Council has committed to work with NOAA Fisheries to train the fleet to use the new electronic reporting platform while the regulations are phased in. This Amendment will be transmitted to the Secretary of Commerce for approval and implementation as soon as practicable.