Charleston Bump and and East Florida Coast closed areas. Experiments

A research program that will allow commercial longline boats to fish the Charleston Bump, potentially putting more than 100,000 hooks in the water, angers offshore fishermen who fear the move is a prelude to reopening protected areas. The federal National Marine Fisheries Service has permitted three longline fishing boats - no more than two at a time - to put out a total of 289 sets of lines in areas along the Charleston Bump and off Florida that have been closed to fishing, as well as in waters nearby. It is a yearlong research program to see how well the once-depleted swordfish have recovered. The program is a ratcheted-down version of research requested by the Blue Water Fisherman's Association, a longline group, that would have allowed 13 boats

1. To collect information on the effectiveness of current bycatch reduction measures in closed areas where bycatch rates may be higher than in other areas and

2. To determine the effectiveness of [current] bycatch reduction measures [offset and non-offset circle hooks, bait requirements, bycatch release gear, and careful handling and release workshops] in these closed areas.

Study was originally requested By Bluewaters Fishing Association

Contact Data steward

Read and sign for NOAA Administrative Order 216-100

Read and sign System Access Application (see URLs)

Contact DBA Daniel Leon at:daniel.leon@noaa.gov for userid/password.

Access is restricted to personnel authorized in accordance with NOAA Administrative Order 216-100. A signed non-disclosure agreement must be on file for all authorized personnel.

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