Council Seeks Public Input on Commercial Electronic Logbooks
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold a series of public hearings via webinar later this month for proposed measures affecting reporting requirements for federally-permitted commercial fishermen.
The Comprehensive Amendment Addressing Electronic Reporting for Commercial Vessels is being developed collaboratively with the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council. The amendment is designed to improve the timeliness and efficiency of commercial logbook data collection and management, improve monitoring and compliance, and eventually achieve one-stop reporting for vessels holding multiple permits. The Gulf Council will conduct additional webinar hearings at the end of August. Details are included in the amendment presentation and summary document.
The proposed measures would replace the current paper-based logbook and require electronic reporting. The requirements would apply to commercial vessels currently reporting through the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Coastal Fisheries Logbook Program. This includes the following commercial vessel permits:
- South Atlantic Snapper Grouper
- Atlantic Dolphin Wahoo
- Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Coastal Migratory Pelagics (NY through TX)
- Gulf Reef Fish
Note that the action may affect vessels fishing in the Greater Atlantic Region and in other fisheries (e.g, Highly Migratory Species) that also have Southeast permits.
Commercial Electronic Logbook Reporting – Public Hearings
July 25, 26, and 27 | 6:00 p.m. via webinar | Webinar registration
During the public hearings Council staff will provide an overview of the amendment and the proposed changes, including an FAQ. Following the amendment overview, staff from the NMFS Southeast Fisheries Science Center will give a presentation and demo of the e-Trips Mobile 2 application and staff will answer any clarifying questions. Finally, and most importantly, a Council member will be available to take comments. Public hearing comments will become part of the administrative record and shared with all Council members.
Additional information, including the public hearing presentation and an online public comment form will be posted HERE as they become available. Register now for the public hearings and receive email reminders as the dates approach.