ATLANTIC LARGE WHALE TAKE REDUCTION PLAN

NOAA Fisheries Service implemented the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan (ALWTRP) to reduce injuries and deaths of large whales due to incidental entanglement in fishing gear. The ALWTRP is an evolving plan that changes as NOAA Fisheries Service learns more about why whales become entangled and how fishing practices might be modified to reduce the risk of entanglement. It has several components including restrictions on where and how gear can be set; research into whale populations and whale behavior, as well as fishing gear interactions and modifications; outreach to inform and collaborate with fishermen and other stakeholders; and a large whale disentanglement program.

Right Whale Photo by David Wiley

What's New

• 2010 Large Whale Entanglement and Ship Strike Report
• 2011 Public Scoping Meetings
• Criteria for Vertical Line Risk Reduction Proposals

Quick Links

• Guide to the ALWTRP
• Gear Modification Techniques for Complying with the ALWTRP
• ALWTRP Fact Sheet
• Process for Considering Exemptions Under the ALWTRP
• Monitoring Strategy (January 2012)
• Process for Considering Gear Modifications Under ALWTRP