Current Action
NOAA Fisheries is accepting public comments on a proposed rule to amend the Atlantic Pelagic Longline Take Reduction Plan. The comment period closes on February 16, 2021.
Overview
The Atlantic Pelagic Longline Take Reduction Plan (Plan or PLTRP) currently contains both regulatory and non-regulatory management measures to reduce mortality and serious injury of pilot whales (Globicephala spp.) and Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus), in the Atlantic portion of the Category I Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico large pelagics longline fishery (hereinafter called Atlantic pelagic longline fishery).
The Plan
NOAA Fisheries published a final rule to implement the Pelagic Longline Take Reduction Plan on May 19, 2009. The Plan includes a special research area, gear modifications, outreach material, observer coverage, and captains' communications.
NOAA Fisheries published the proposed rule to implement the Plan on June 24, 2008:
The PLTRT submitted to NOAA Fisheries a Draft PLTRP on June 8, 2006. The Draft PLTRP included recommendations for take reduction measures, as well as research needs and other non-regulatory measures.
Team Meetings and Key Outcome Memos
- February 2021 - webinar/teleconference
- September 2020 - webinar/teleconference
- September 2019 - webinar/teleconference
- October 2016 - webinar/teleconference
- September 2016 - webinar/teleconference
- December 2015 - Virginia Beach, VA
- March 2015 - webinar/teleconference
- June 2014 - webinar/teleconference
- August 2012- St. Petersburg, FL
- September 2010 - webinar/teleconference
- April 2006 - St. Petersburg, FL
- January 2006 - Miami, FL
- September 2005 - Falls Church, VA
- June 2005 - Bethesda, MD
Additional PLTRP Documents
Bycatch Reports (SEFSC)
Background
NOAA Fisheries settled a lawsuit with several environmental organizations in 2003, which resulted in an agreement to convene the PLTRT in June 2005. For more information, please see the Federal Register notice announcing the Team. In accordance with the long-term goal of section 118(f)(2) of the MMPA, NOAA Fisheries directed the Team to develop and submit a draft Take Reduction Plan to the agency within 11 months that focused on reducing incidental mortalities and serious injuries of pilot whales and Risso’s dolphins to a level approaching the insignificance threshold within five years of implementation of the Plan. The PLTRT reached consensus at the May 2006 meeting, and on June 8, 2006, submitted to NOAA Fisheries a Draft PLTRP. Based on the Draft PLTRP, NOAA Fisheries published a proposed rule (73 FR 35623, June 24, 2008) and final rule (74 FR 23349, May 19, 2009) implementing the PLTRP, which became effective on June 18, 2009 (50 CFR 229.36).
More Information
North Pacific right whale #87 also known as “Smudgy” interacts with a log floating on the water. There are only around 30 individuals in the eastern population, so to spot a North Pacific right whale is rare and to see one interacting with a log in a once-in-a-lifetime experience. NOAA Fisheries permit 782-1719.
Southern Resident killer whales encountered during NOAA's PODs (Pacific Orcinus Distribution Survey) in October 2021 near the west end of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Credit: NOAA Fisheries
