Gear Modifications Proposed for the Virginia Pound Net Fishery to Protect Sea Turtles A new proposed rule would require that any offshore pound net leader in an identified area of Virginia waters of the mainstem Chesapeake Bay during May 6 – July 15 be modified in order to protect sea turtles. Existing regulations prohibit the use of all offshore pound net leaders in that area during that time frame. But based on the positive results of research conducted in 2004 and 2005, NOAA Fisheries Service is proposing that gear modifications could take the place of a complete prohibition as an effective conservation measure. This rule would protect threatened and endangered sea turtles while enabling fishermen to use leaders, an important component of pound net gear, during the May 6-July 15 season. Public comments are invited through May 2. Send comments to:
Gear Modifications Proposed for the Virginia Pound Net Fishery to Protect Sea Turtles
A new proposed rule would require that any offshore pound net leader in an identified area of Virginia waters of the mainstem Chesapeake Bay during May 6 – July 15 be modified in order to protect sea turtles. Existing regulations prohibit the use of all offshore pound net leaders in that area during that time frame. But based on the positive results of research conducted in 2004 and 2005, NOAA Fisheries Service is proposing that gear modifications could take the place of a complete prohibition as an effective conservation measure. This rule would protect threatened and endangered sea turtles while enabling fishermen to use leaders, an important component of pound net gear, during the May 6-July 15 season.
Public comments are invited through May 2. Send comments to:
po******************@no**.gov. Please include “0648-AU10” in the subject line of the message.