NMFS Issues Final Rule to Reduce Harbor Porpoise Mortality in U.S. Gillnet Fisheries

Summary

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued a final rule to update regulations for the Harbor Porpoise Take Reduction Plan (HPTRP) in response to increased mortality and injury of Gulf of Maine/Bay of Fundy harbor porpoises in U.S. gillnet fisheries. The new rules aim to reduce the number of porpoises caught accidentally in these fisheries.