Sea Turtle and Smalltooth Sawfish Release Gear, Protocols, and Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs)

 

Sea turtles and smalltooth sawfish, which are listed under the Endangered Species Act, can be injured or killed as a result of being mishandled when caught. NOAA Fisheries’ Southeast Regional Office has identified ways to reduce the stress for hook-and-line caught and released sea turtles and smalltooth sawfish.  These measures, if followed, can increase the chance of survival for these species. Release gear, protocols, and safe handling placards are required for permitted reef fish and snapper grouper vessels.

Information

• Protected Resources Division
• Turtle Excluder Device (TED) Information for commercial fishermen
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Where to get sea turtle release gear
• FB19-027 NOAA Fisheries Announces New Modifications to Sea Turtle Release Gear for the Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Fishery (effective 6/17/2019)

Protocols and Placards

• Careful Release Protocols for Sea Turtle Release with Minimal Injury (NOAA Technical Memorandum 735)
• Design Standards and Equipment for Careful Release of Sea Turtles Caught in Hook and Line Fisheries (NOAA Technical Memorandum 738)
• Sea Turtle Handling and Release Placards
  • Sea Turtle (English) (Spanish) (Vietnamese)
  • Smalltooth Sawfish (English) (Vietnamese)

Release Tools

• Sea Turtle Release Gear Required for Vessels with a Freeboard Height of equal to 4 ft or Less
• Sea Turtle Release Gear Required for Vessels with a Freeboard Height Greater than 4 ft
• Sea Turtle Release Gear Approved for Vessels in the Gulf of Mexico ONLY

More Information

Gulf of Mexico Branch Homepage

South Atlantic Branch Homepage

To reach Sustainable Fisheries staff, please call 727-824-5305.

Point of Contact:

Gulf of Mexico  Kelli O'Donnell     Kelli.ODonnell@noaa.gov

South Atlantic   Frank Helies        Frank.Helies@noaa.gov