Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS); U.S. Atlantic Billfish Tournament Management Measures
other · atlantic hms · Published 2007-05-11 · Effective 2008-01-01 · 72 FR 26735
Document
Document number
E7-9097
Federal Register citation
72 FR 26735
Type
Rule
Action
Final rule.
Category
other
Region
atlantic hms
Publication date
2007-05-11
Effective date
2008-01-01
NOAA docket
Docket No. 070307055-7099-02
Abstract
This final rule suspends mandatory circle hook requirements for participants in Atlantic billfish fishing tournaments through December 31, 2007. Circle hook requirements will be reinstated unchanged effective 12:01 a.m., January 1, 2008. The suspension is intended to increase post-release survival rates of Atlantic billfish in the long-term by providing an additional phase-in period during which Atlantic billfish tournament anglers can become more proficient and familiar with circle hooks and their ecological benefits, respectively.