Amendment 49: Modify Sea Turtle Release Gear and the Reef Fish Framework Procedure
Overview
Fishery Management
Affected Species
Action Status
Final Rule
Effective
06/17/2019
Point of Contact
Kelli O'Donnell, 727-824-5305, Kelli.ODonnell@noaa.gov
Summary
The final rule for Amendment 49 adds three newly approved sea turtle release devices and updates the regulations to simplify and clarify the specifications for other release gear requirements. The new devices and updates provide more options to fulfill the requirements for sea turtle release gear on board vessels with commercial and charter/for-hire reef fish permits in the Gulf of Mexico. The final rule for Amendment 49 also streamlines the procedure to implement newly approved devices and handling procedures in the future.