Skip the paperwork with the NOAA/PSMFC HMS Electronic Logbook

Posted on July 8, 2026 by Local Fish

Paper logbooks get the job done, but they also mean filling out pages by hand on the water, keeping track of carbon copies, and remembering to mail everything in before the deadline. It’s one more thing to manage during an already busy trip, and it’s easy for paperwork to get delayed or misplaced.

If you’d rather skip the mailing and submit your logbooks electronically, NOAA Fisheries and the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) offer an optional electronic logbook for HMS permit holders.

What is it?

The NOAA/PSMFC Elogbook is an electronic logbook built on the FishVue FLOAT platform. It was developed by PSMFC in partnership with NOAA’s Southwest Fisheries Science Center and Archipelago Marine Research to let eligible fishermen complete and submit HMS logbooks electronically.

Who can use it?

The Elogbook is available for HMS permit holders fishing with:

  • Hook and line
  • Harpoon
  • Deep-set buoy gear

Using the electronic logbook is completely optional. If you prefer filling out a paper logbook by hand, you can continue using paper logbooks just as you always have.

How to get started

  1. Visit fedelog.psmfc.org on your phone or computer.
  2. Create an account and select HMS as your fishery.
  3. Add your vessel information.
  4. Confirm your email address before submitting any logbooks.

The site can also be installed as an app for easier access while you’re fishing. NOAA also recommends keeping a paper logbook on board as a backup in case you run into technical issues while using the electronic version.

How it works

During your trip, enter your fishing activity for each day, including:

  • Date
  • Gear
  • Fishing mode
  • Location
  • Hours fished
  • Catch information

At the end of the trip, complete your landing information with your port and fish ticket details, then submit electronically.

Once submitted, you’ll receive a PDF receipt by email. No printing, no mailing, and no wondering whether your logbook arrived.

Need help?

Questions? Contact FedElog@psmfc.org or use the in-app help form.

Coming soon: A third-party electronic logbook option, VESL by Bluefin Data, is currently in beta for the albacore fishery. We’ll share more once it’s available.

Skip the paperwork with the NOAA/PSMFC HMS Electronic Logbook