NMFS Proposed rule change for bluefin tuna
Now including dead discards toward the quota.
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species News
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announces a proposed rule regarding Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) quotas and Atlantic tuna fisheries management measures.
The proposed rule would:
(1) implement and allocate the U.S. BFT quota recommended by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) for 2011 and 2012;
(2) adjust the 2011 U.S. BFT quota and subquotas to account for BFT dead discards and unharvested 2010 quota allowed by ICCAT to be carried forward to 2011 (i.e., establish the 2011 BFT quota specifications);
(3) reinstate pelagic longline target catch requirements for retaining BFT in the Northeast Distant Gear Restricted Area (NED);
(4) amend the Atlantic tunas possession at sea and landing regulations to allow removal of tail lobes; and
(5) clarify the transfer at sea regulations for Atlantic tunas.
Please see the attached announcement for further information.
The Federal Register notice (as filed) can be viewed at: www.ofr.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2011-05858_PI.pdf.
NMFS will post the published Federal Register notice on the Highly Migratory Species Management Division website (www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/breaking_news.htm) on Monday, March 14.
