KEY MESSAGE:
NOAA Fisheries requests your comments on the proposed rule for Amendment 42, which if implemented, would modify sea turtle release gear for the snapper-grouper fishery in the South Atlantic. Comments are due by October 17, 2019.
SUMMARY OF PROPOSED CHANGES:
- Add three newly approved sea turtle release devices to the federal regulations that can be used to fulfill current gear requirements, providing more options for fishermen.
- Update the regulations to simplify and clarify the specifications for other release devices.
- Streamline the procedure to implement newly approved devices and handling procedures in the future.
HOW TO COMMENT ON THE PROPOSED RULE:
You may submit comments by electronic submission or by postal mail. Comments sent by any other method (such as e-mail), to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered by NOAA Fisheries.
FORMAL FEDERAL REGISTER NUMBER: 84 FR 48890, September 17, 2019
Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal.
1. Go to https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=NOAA-NMFS-2019-0047.
2. Click the "Comment Now!" icon, complete the required fields.
3. Enter or attach your comments.
Mail: Submit written comments to Frank Helies, Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Why are new sea turtle release devices being considered for addition to federal regulations?
- Vessels with commercial or for-hire federal snapper-grouper permits are required to have gear on board to allow for safe handling and release of incidentally caught sea turtles and other protected resources.
- The Southeast Fisheries Science Center regularly tests new sea turtle release devices and approves those that meet the requirements.
- However, approved devices must be added to regulations before they can be used by federal permit holders to satisfy the regulatory requirements.
- The proposed changes would provide additional flexibility to meet the requirements for participants in the commercial sector and for-hire component of the snapper-grouper fishery.
What are the sea turtle and smalltooth sawfish release protocols for the South Atlantic snapper-grouper fishery?
- Vessels with commercial and/or for-hire federal snapper-grouper permits are required to have the proper sea turtle release gear in accordance with their vessel freeboard height.
- Vessels also must possess on board a written copy of the most recent version of the document entitled “Careful Release Protocols for Sea Turtle Release with Minimal Injury” (Release Protocols), and the placard for sea turtle handling and release guidelines.
- The Release Protocols must be on board and available for reference inside the wheelhouse, or within a waterproof case if the vessel has no wheelhouse.
- The Placard must be posted at all times inside the wheelhouse, or within an easily viewable area if the vessel has no wheelhouse.
- This proposed rule would allow an electronic copy of the Release Protocols to be on board for reference.
What release gear are currently required for federally permitted vessels in the South Atlantic fishery?
- A federally permitted vessel with a freeboard height equal to four feet or less must have on board a:
- Dip net (handle must be 6 feet or 150% of freeboard height, whichever is greater)
- Dedicated cushioned support device*
- Short-handled dehooker for internal hooks
- Short-handled dehooker for external hooks
- Long-nose or needle-nose pliers
- Bolt cutter
- Monofilament line cutter
- At least two types of mouth openers/mouth gags
- A federally permitted vessel with a freeboard height of greater than four feet must have on board a:
- Long-handled line cutter (handle must be 6 feet or 150% of freeboard height, whichever is greater)
- Long-handled dehooker for internal hooks (handle must be 6 feet or 150% of freeboard height, whichever is greater)
- Long-handled device to pull an “inverted V” (handle must be 6 feet or 150% of freeboard height, whichever is greater)
- Dip net (handle must be 6 feet or 150% of freeboard height, whichever is greater)
- Dedicated cushioned support device*
- Short-handled dehooker for internal hooks
- Short-handled dehooker for external hooks
- Long-nose or needle-nose pliers
- Bolt cutter
- Monofilament line cutter
- At least two types of mouth openers/mouth gags
*A cushioned support device is an auto tire or any other comparable, cushioned, elevated surface that allows boated sea turtles to be immobilized as specified in 50 CFR Part 622 Appendix F. Alternatives to tires include dedicated life rings, seat cushions, life jackets, and life vests; which must be in addition to those required for safety.
What are the new sea turtle and sawfish release devices being proposed or clarified?
- A sea turtle hoist or a collapsible hoop net would be approved as alternatives to the dip net.
- An additional short-handled dehooker with a squeeze handle would be approved for external hooks.
- Grades of stainless steel for other short-handled and long-handled dehookers for internal and external device construction would be clarified to be 316L and 304L stainless steel.
- The requirement for end coverings for canine mouth gags would be removed.
- The minimum blade length for monofilament line cutters would be clarified to be a minimum of 1 inch.
- The required length for the long-nose, needle-nose pliers would be clarified to be a minimum of 11 inches.
- Other specifications for devices would be similarly clarified.
How do I measure the freeboard to tell if it is greater or less than four feet?
- Freeboard is defined as the working distance between the top rail of the gunwale to the water's surface, and will vary based on the vessel design.
Where can I find more information on Amendment 42?
- Amendment 42 may be found online at the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office Website at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/amendment-42-modifications-sea-turtle-release-gear-and-framework-procedure-snapper-grouper.
- By Mail: Frank Helies
NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office
Sustainable Fisheries Division
263 13th Avenue South
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701-5505
By FAX: (727) 824-5308
By Phone: (727) 824-5305
- More information on sea turtle release protocols may be found online at the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office Website at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/endangered-species-conservation/sea-turtle-and-smalltooth-sawfish-release-gear-and.
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