If you accidentally catch a species protected by the Endangered Species or Marine Mammal Protection Acts, you are required to report it to NOAA Fisheries even if an observer is on board at the time of the incident. Please follow the handling and release requirements/guidelines and reporting requirements below.
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If you catch a:
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Then follow these handling requirements/guidelines:
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And report the interaction on these forms:
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Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon
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Follow the safe handling, resuscitation, and release guidelines for hooked sturgeon found here and for sturgeon brought on board found here.
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Report on FVTR
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Atlantic salmon
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Release the salmon with care by keeping it in the water at all times. If the fish is brought onboard, gently release it as quickly as possible.
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Report on FVTR
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Sea turtle
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Immediately call (866) 755-NOAA (6622) or radio the U.S. Coast Guard on channel 16 if you find an entangled sea turtle.
For all incidentally caught sea turtles, follow the handling and resuscitation requirements.
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Report on FVTR
Report interactions in Virginia pound net gear to the Greater Atlantic Regional Office, (978) 281-9328, within 24 hours of returning from the trip.
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Marine mammals (seals, whales, and dolphins)
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For large whale entanglements, call (866) 755-NOAA (6622) or radio the U.S. Coast Guard immediately.
Any marine mammal incidentally taken must be immediately returned to the water unless directed otherwise by NOAA Fisheries or a NOAA Fisheries authorized observer.
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Report incidentally injured and killed marine mammals on the Marine Mammal Serious Injury and Mortality Reporting Form within 48 hours of the end of the fishing trip. Download a reporting form or submit your report online.
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Giant Manta Ray
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Follow the handling guidelines found here.
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Report on FVTR
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Oceanic White Tip Shark
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Follow the Southeast Region handling and release guidelines found here.
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Report on FVTR
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The Fishadelphia team. Credit: Dr. Talia Young.
Right whale #3853 swimming north offshore of South Carolina on Jan. 20, 2011 with a series of fresh propeller wounds running across its back. The whale was observed 5 days previously offshore of Georgia without propeller wounds. It is unknown whether the whale survived its wounds or not, as it has not been re-sighted since. Vessel collisions are a leading cause of right whale mortality. Credit: EcoHealth Alliance (NOAA permit #594-1759).
North Atlantic right whale Catalog #3560 ‘Snow Cone’ sighted December 2, 2021 entangled and with a new calf. Photo credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission taken under NOAA permit 20556.
Four North Atllantic right whales.