November 19, 2013 — The following was released by NOAA:
NOAA Fisheries today announced interim final regulations to conserve the Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of Atlantic sturgeon. On February 6, 2012, we listed the Gulf of Maine DPS of Atlantic sturgeon as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. When a species is listed as threatened under the act, we are required to issue protective regulations to conserve this species. Based on new information, some changes were made to the measures initially proposed so we are publishing this rule as an interim final rule and are soliciting additional public comment. The deadline for public comment is December 19, 2013.