Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); Pelagic Longline Fishery

This final rule implements new sea turtle bycatch and bycatch mortality mitigation measures for all Atlantic vessels that have pelagic longline (PLL) gear onboard and that have been issued, or are required to have, Federal HMS limited access permits, consistent with the requirements of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Magnuson- Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act or M-S Act), and other domestic laws. These measures include mandatory circle hook and bait requirements, and mandatory possession and use of sea turtle release equipment to reduce bycatch mortality. This final rule also allows vessels with pelagic longline gear onboard that have been issued, or are required to have, Federal HMS limited access permits to fish in the Northeast Distant (NED) Closed Area, if they possess and/or use certain circle hooks and baits, sea turtle release equipment, and comply with specified sea turtle handling and release protocols.