Proposed Rule to Implement a Pelagic Longline Take Reduction Plan

2 organizations filed 2 public comments on Proposed Rule to Implement a Pelagic Longline Take Reduction Plan, at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The comment window closed 6518d ago.

Abstract

We, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), propose regulations to implement the Atlantic Pelagic Longline Take Reduction Plan (PLTRP) to reduce serious injuries and mortalities of pilot whales and Risso's dolphins in the Atlantic pelagic longline fishery. The PLTRP is based on consensus recommendations submitted by the Atlantic Pelagic Longline Take Reduction Team (PLTRT). This action is necessary because current serious injury and mortality rates of pilot whales and Risso's dolphins incidental to the Atlantic pelagic longline component of a Category I fishery are above insignificant levels approaching a zero mortality and serious injury rate (zero mortality rate goal, or ZMRG), and therefore, inconsistent with the long-term goal of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The PLTRP is intended to meet the statutory mandates and requirements of the MMPA through both regulatory and non-regulatory measures, including a special research area, gear modifications, outreach material, observer coverage, and captains’ communications.

Commenters (2)

• Center for Biological Diversity

  1 filing · confidence 97%
• humane societytrade assoc.

  1 filing · confidence 85%