# Fisheries Off West Coast States; Highly Migratory Fisheries; California Drift Gillnet Fishery; Sperm Whale Interaction Restrictions
> **Rule** · Temporary rule. · Published 2014-05-22 · Effective 2014-05-22 · 79 FR 29377
## Document
- **Document number:** 2014-11658
- **Category:** seasonal-closure
- **Region:** west coast
- **Species:** whale
- **Federal Register citation:** 79 FR 29377
- **Publication date:** 2014-05-22
- **Effective date:** 2014-05-22
- **NOAA docket:** Docket No. 130802674-4422-02
## Abstract

Pursuant to its emergency authority, NMFS renews an emergency action that implemented, among other measures, mandatory monitoring (VMS) and observer requirements (pre-trip notification and a 100% deep water closure zone unless a NMFS-certified observer was on board) in the California thresher shark/swordfish drift gillnet (mesh size >=14 inches) (DGN) fishery during the August 15, 2013 to January 31, 2014 fishing season, and would have immediately shut down the fishery for the calendar year in the event of a sperm whale interaction in the DGN fishery. This renewing action is necessary to ensure that the conservation measures continue to provide protection for sperm whales until permanent measures are in place. Specifically, per recommendations of the Pacific Offshore Cetacean Take Reduction Team, NMFS is currently developing a rule under authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) in order to adequately monitor the DGN fishery and reduce the risk of sperm whale interactions.

## Source
- [Federal Register document](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2014/05/22/2014-11658/fisheries-off-west-coast-states-highly-migratory-fisheries-california-drift-gillnet-fishery-sperm)
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