New measures proposed to prevent overfishing of tunas

This proposed rule would implement management measures to prevent overfishing of the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean (ETP) tuna stocks, consistent with recommendations by the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC).

The IATTC has maintained a scientific research and fishery monitoring program for many years and annually assesses the status of stocks of tuna to determine appropriate measures to prevent overexploitation of the stocks and promote viable fisheries.

This proposed rule would close the U.S. longline fishery in the IATTC Convention Area in 2005 and 2006 if the catch of bigeye tuna reaches the estimated level of 2001 (150 metric tons).

In addition, the purse seine fishery for tuna in the Convention Area would be closed for a 6-week period from November 20 through December 31, 2005, and from November 20 through December 31, 2006. A closure late in the fishing year minimizes the disruption of planned fishery operations, which are not traditionally active during the winter, while meeting the conservation goals for tunas in the ETP.

All comments on this proposed rule must be received by September 14, 2005. Comments may be sent by e-mail to: 0648-AT33@noaa.gov.

For more information, contact Allison.Routt@noaa.gov.

Source: www.flmnh.ufl.edu