Protected Species

Fishermen are required to follow a variety of rules to minimize interactions with protected species. Related resources, news, and links for additional information are listed below.

News | Required Gear | Biological Opinions | Additional Information

News

08/31/2009	NOAA Fisheries announces public outreach meeting to provide information on the Atlantic Pelagic Longline Take Reduction Plan, Final Rule, and Regulatory Requirements to Reduce Serious Injury and Mortality of Pilot Whales and Risso’s Dolphins Announcement
05/15/2009	Pelagic Longline Take Reduction Team (PLTRT) Final Rule for PLTRT Compliance Guide for PLTRT Website
09/04/2008	NOAA Fisheries reminds fishermen to avoid harassment and possible injury to large whales commonly seen by vessels engaged in tuna fishing Flyer
06/22/2008	Reduction of Sea Turtle Bycatch and Bycatch Mortality in the Pelagic Longline Fishery Federal Register Notice Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (entire document) Individual sections: Cover Abstract and Table of Contents Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Summary of the Alternatives Chapter 3: Description of the Affected Environment Chapter 4: Environmental Consequences of Alternatives Chapter 5: Mitigation and Unavoidable Adverse Impacts Chapter 6: Economic Evaluation Chapter 7: Regulatory Impact Review Chapter 8: Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) Chapter 9: Community Profiles Chapter 10: Essential Fish Habitat Chapter 11: Other Considerations Chapter 12: List of Preparers Chapter 13: List of Agencies, Organizations, and Persons Consulted Appendix A1 Appendix A2 Appendix A3 Appendix B1 Appendix B2 Appendix C1

09/27/2007	Reminder to all pelagic longline fishermen participating in fisheries for Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Listserv Notice
02/15/2007	NOAA Fisheries Announces Availability of a Revised List of Approved Dehooking Equipment in the Pelagic and Bottom Longline Fisheries Federal Register Notice \| Listserv Notice The list of required gear is provided below.

Required Gear

Table 1. NOAA Fisheries Approved Models for Equipment Needed for the Careful Release of Sea Turtles Caught in Hook and Line Fisheries
NOAA Tech Memo 580: Careful Release Protocols for Sea Turtle Release with Minimal Injury

Sea Turtle Handling/Release Placards*

Marine Mammal Handling/Release Placard*

Pelagic Longline Gear (English)
Pelagic Longline Gear (Vietnamese)

* Sea Turtle and Marine Mammal Handling/Release placards are required to be posted in the wheelhouse of certain commercial fishing vessels. For more information, please see the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations regarding the sea turtle placard regulations and the marine mammal placard regulations.