NMFS is concerned about bycatch and bycatch mortality in all Atlantic highly migratory species fisheries and will continue to evaluate existing bycatch reduction measures as well as pursue additional measures as necessary. Additional analyses described in the final Environmental Assessment indicate that while effort in the Charleston Bump was low compared to past years, the fishermen who did fish in February caught slightly more billfish and sea turtles than the average. Thus, extending the closure could possibly regain some of the bycatch reductions that may have been lost due to the delay. NMFS acknowledges that bycatch in the pelagic longline fishery is an international issue that requires international cooperation. The United States is working to develop international conservation measures and will continue to negotiate at the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas in support of U.S. fisheries, to the extent that their prosecution is consistent with U.S. domestic legislation.
Safety is the responsibility of each fisherman.
While NMFS works to reduce safety concerns related to regulatory actions, fishermen should account for the distance from shore if an area is closed and they redistribute their fishing effort. May 1, 2001. John Oliver, Acting Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service.