Final Rule Modifies the Number of Unrigged Hooks Carried On Board Bottom Longline Vessels in the Gulf of Mexico

Key Message:

NOAA Fisheries announces a final rule modifying commercial bottom longline regulations in the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf). 

When This Rule Will Take Effect:

• Regulations will be effective February 6, 2018.

What This Means:

• The 1,000 hooks per vessel limit onboard commercial reef fish vessels with a bottom longline endorsement in the Gulf when fishing for reef fish east of 85°30' west longitude (Cape San Blas, Florida) has been removed.
• The limit of 750 hooks that could be rigged for fishing on commercial reef fish vessels with a bottom longline endorsement in the Gulf remains unchanged.
• Bottom longline endorsement holders in the Gulf can now carry an unlimited amount of additional hooks onboard their vessel.

FORMAL FEDERAL REGISTER NAME/NUMBER: 83 FR 5210 published February 6, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why are these changes needed?

• Implemented in 2010, Amendment 31 placed a restriction on the number of hooks bottom longline fishermen with an endorsement could carry on board their vessel to help protect sea turtles; 1,000 total hooks of which no more than 750 could be rigged for fishing.
• Currently, reef fish bottom longline fishermen can only carry 250 extra unrigged hooks onboard their vessels.
• Industry representatives indicated this was not enough hooks for longer trips due to hook loss, and NOAA Fisheries observer data supported this.
• After the 250 extra hooks are used, the vessel must return to port, reduce the number of hooks fished, or be resupplied by another vessel. 
• Allowing additional unrigged hooks on board should make multi-day trips more economical while still maintaining the observed reduction in sea turtle interactions since the implementation of Amendment 31.

Area rule affects (see map below).

 

Where can I find more information on this rule?

• Number of Unrigged Hooks Carried On Board Bottom Longline Vessels Abbreviated Framework may be found online at the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office Website.
• Additional information on bottom longline rulemakings in the Gulf of Mexico may be found at: http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov.
• Contact NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office

     By Mail: Kelli O’Donnell

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