



Ways to reduce the stress for sea turtles, smalltooth sawfish, and giant manta ray caught in various fishing gears.
Sea turtles, smalltooth sawfish, and giant manta ray, which are all 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 sea turtles, smalltooth sawfish, and manta rays caught in the hook-and-line and trawl gears. 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.
Turtle Excluder Device (TED) Information for commercial shrimp fisheries
Careful Release Protocols for Sea Turtle Release with Minimal Injury (NOAA Technical Memorandum 735)
Smalltooth Sawfish Handling and Release for Commercial Fisheries (PDF,1 page)
Required Sea Turtle Handing and Resuscitation Procedures for Shrimp Trawls (PDF, 1 page)
Giant Manta Ray Handling and Release for Shrimp Trawls (PDF, 1 page)
Frequently Asked Questions Hook-and-Line Fishery
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 Placard (English) (Spanish) (Vietnamese)
Smalltooth Sawfish Handling and Release for Commercial Fisheries (PDF,1 page)
Giant Manta Ray Release and Reporting Placard (PDF, 1 page)
To reach Sustainable Fisheries staff, please call 727-824-5305.
Gulf of Mexico Kelli O'Donnell Kelli.ODonnell@noaa.gov
South Atlantic Branch Homepage
South Atlantic Frank Helies Frank.Helies@noaa.gov
Gulf of Mexico Branch Homepage
To reach Protected Resources staff, please call 727-824-5312.
Michael Barnette Michael.Barnette@noaa.gov
Protected Resources Division Homepage