Pelagic Longline Bluefin Tuna Area-Based and Weak Hook Management Measures
Summary
NOAA Fisheries is proposing to adjust regulatory measures put in place to manage bluefin tuna bycatch in the pelagic longline fishery for Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS), specifically addressing the Northeastern United States Closed Area, the Cape Hatteras Gear Restricted Area, and the Spring Gulf of Mexico Gear Restricted Area as well as the weak hook requirement in the Gulf of Mexico.
The proposed measures would affect the HMS pelagic longline fishery in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. The preferred alternatives are summarized below.
Preferred Alternatives
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Northeastern United States Closed Area |
Alternative A4 Undertake a review process to evaluate the continued need for the Northeastern United States Pelagic Longline Closed Area. |
|
Cape Hatteras Gear Restricted Area |
Alternative B2 Elimination of the Cape Hatteras Gear Restricted Area. |
|
Gulf of Mexico Gear Restricted Areas |
Alternative C3 Undertake a review process to evaluate the continued need for the Spring Gulf of Mexico Gear Restricted Areas. |
|
Weak Hooks |
Alternative D2 Seasonal requirement for weak hooks (January–June). |
Area Map
