Final Sea Turtle Annual Determination for 2023

NOAA Fisheries publishes the final Annual Determination (AD) for 2023, pursuant to its authority under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Through the AD, NOAA Fisheries identifies U.S. fisheries operating in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Pacific Ocean that will be required to take fisheries observers upon NOAA Fisheries' request. The purpose of observing identified fisheries is to learn more about sea turtle interactions in a given fishery, evaluate measures to prevent or reduce sea turtle takes, and implement the prohibition against sea turtle takes. Fisheries identified on the 2023 AD will be required to carry observers upon NMFS’ request, and will remain on the AD for a 5-year period until December 31, 2027.