NMFS Proposes Changes to Harbor Porpoise Take Reduction Plan Regulations

Summary

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) proposes to modify the Harbor Porpoise Take Reduction Plan (HPTRP) to exclude Delaware Bay from the regulation, as recommended by the Mid-Atlantic Harbor Porpoise Take Reduction Team (MATRT). The proposed rule would exempt fishers operating in Delaware Bay from the HPTRP gear restrictions, and NMFS also seeks public comments on a recommendation to redefine small mesh gillnet.