Sea Turtle Handling Workshops Scheduled for Fishermen NOAA Fisheries will hold voluntary workshops on the proper use of sea turtle handling and release equipment and on the current regulations for the pelagic longline fishery. The techniques that will be demonstrated at the workshops are required by fishermen using pelagic longline gear and will greatly increase the chance of sea turtle survival. At the workshops participants will have a chance to use the equipment and ask questions. A new sea turtle bycatch reduction rule was published by NOAA Fisheries on July 6, 2004. Among other things, the rule requires that all vessel operators participating in the pelagic longline fishery must use new release equipment and handling techniques that will be outlined in the workshops. Although the workshops are voluntary, all pelagic longline fishermen are strongly encouraged to attend. Proper use of release equipment and handling techniques are important aspects of sea turtle conservation efforts in this fishery. The workshops are designed for permit holders, vessel operators, and crew members who use pelagic longline gear in the Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. Other interested parties are also welcome to attend. There are a variety of dates and locations for these workshops. To view a full schedule of workshops visit us at
Sea Turtle Handling Workshops Scheduled for Fishermen
NOAA Fisheries will hold voluntary workshops on the proper use of sea turtle handling and release equipment and on the current regulations for the pelagic longline fishery. The techniques that will be demonstrated at the workshops are required by fishermen using pelagic longline gear and will greatly increase the chance of sea turtle survival. At the workshops participants will have a chance to use the equipment and ask questions.
A new sea turtle bycatch reduction rule was published by NOAA Fisheries on July 6, 2004. Among other things, the rule requires that all vessel operators participating in the pelagic longline fishery must use new release equipment and handling techniques that will be outlined in the workshops. Although the workshops are voluntary, all pelagic longline fishermen are strongly encouraged to attend. Proper use of release equipment and handling techniques are important aspects of sea turtle conservation efforts in this fishery.
The workshops are designed for permit holders, vessel operators, and crew members who use pelagic longline gear in the Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. Other interested parties are also welcome to attend. There are a variety of dates and locations for these workshops. To view a full schedule of workshops visit us at
www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms or call Charlie Bergmann at (228) 762-4591 or (228) 623-0748.