Since 2001, specific offshore waters paralleling East Central Florida, around the North Atlantic Bight and up to the Charleston Hump, have been off- limits to longliners who targeted pelagic and Highly Migratory Species. The reasons for closure ranged from bycatch mortality of turtle and shark populations, to an entire swordfishery fished close to collapse. Since then, the federal government says longline vessels put into place new tactics to deter bycatch mortality. Swordfish populations have begun to recover—evident by increasing recreational catches, especially in southern Florida.

Now, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service invites the public to comment on an “Environmental Assessment” to conduct research with a limited number of pelagic longline vessels in two areas of the Southeast Atlantic Ocean (East Central Florida and the Charleston Hump).

“In less than a decade, we have nearly rebuilt swordfish and dramatically reduced bycatch of sea turtles and other species by requiring that pelagic longline fishermen use new fishing techniques,” said William T. Hogarth, director of NOAA Fisheries Service. “Now it is time for us to examine whether these techniques can be used in the closed areas with the same success.”

Because these areas have been closed to pelagic longline fishing since 2001, the agency does not have data on how the newly introduced fishing measures might work in these areas. But it seems clear your government would like to allow longline boats back into closed areas. The NOAA reports the proposed research would be conducted under strict, scientific protocols using a limited number of vessels with 100 percent observer coverage.

Based on pre-closure Pelagic Observer Programs and J-hook data, 2 leatherback and 6 loggerhead sea turtle catches are expected during the research fishing time period. For the highly migratory species, also based on previous J-hook data, the research fishery expects 1,083 swordfish to be retained, 973 discarded alive, and 360 discarded dead; 0 bluefin tuna are expected to be kept or discarded; 22 white marlin and 24 blue marlin are expected to be discarded; 113 large coastal sharks are expected to be retained and 174 discarded; and 21 pelagic sharks are expected to be retained and 92 discarded. The NOAA says the anticipated mortality numbers are likely over-estimates because longliners now use circle hooks.

The National Marine Fisheries Service invites comments from interested parties on the Environmental Assessment, and the Agency’s intent to issue an Exempt Fishing Permit during the fall or winter of 2007. Comments can be addressed to: Chris Rilling, NOAA Fisheries, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 or at 301-713-2347. Comments may also be sent via FAX to 301-713-1917 or by email to PLL_ResearchEA@noaa.gov. Please include PLL Research EA in the subject line.