Final Rule: Updates to Sea Turtle Safe Release Requirements in Highly Migratory Species Longline Fisheries

Final Rule: Updates to Sea Turtle Safe Release Requirements in Highly Migratory Species Longline Fisheries

NOAA Fisheries announces a final rule to update sea turtle safe handling and release requirements and equipment in Atlantic Highly Migratory Species pelagic and bottom longline fisheries. The updates are based in part on two technical memoranda provided by NOAA Fisheries.

Who is affected?

This action applies to all commercial Highly Migratory Species permit holders fishing with pelagic or bottom longline gear.

These updates will:

• Replace technical terms with plain language
• Add more detail to make the regulations clearer
• Add additional tools or options to help fishermen safely handle and release sea turtles
• Clarify responsibility of implementation

These updates do not change any of the current operation requirements of Highly Migratory Species fisheries such as fishing location, timing, effort, authorized gear types, or harvest levels. All previously authorized tools and gear removal protocols are still approved for use.