Proposed Sea Turtle Conservation Measures in the Atlantic Sea Scallop Dredge Fishery

NOAA Fisheries Service is re-proposing the chain-mat modified dredge requirements in the sea scallop fishery, with some modifications. The existing requirements resulted from two final rules: one issued in August 2006; and an emergency rule issued in November 2006. These actions were necessary to help reduce mortality and injury to endangered and threatened sea turtles captured in scallop dredge gear. This proposed action would clarify the regulatory text regarding the chain-mat modified gear and add a transiting provision. Comments must be received by 5 p.m. EST on December 10, 2007.  Click here for information about submitting comments.

	Proposed Rule (11/09/07) Environmental Assessment (10/07) Emergency Rule (11/15/06) Final Rule (08/25/06)

Last Updated: February 7, 2008