NMFS Proposes Revisions to Sea Turtle Release Gear for Gulf of Mexico Reef Fishery

Summary

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is proposing a rule to update the management measures for the Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico, specifically focusing on sea turtle release gear. The proposed rule aims to simplify and clarify the requirements for fishermen to safely handle and release incidentally captured sea turtles, while also allowing for future changes to the release gear and handling procedures.