March 20, 2015 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
We have published the 2015 Sea Turtle Observer Requirement, also referred to as the 2015 Annual Determination.
We identified 14 commercial fisheries operating within state and Federal waters in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Pacific Ocean that will be required to take observers, if requested, so we can learn more about sea turtle interactions in these fisheries in our effort to minimize or prevent take from occurring.
The Final 2015 Sea Turtle Observer Requirement Annual Determination is available online. Read the final rule in the Federal Register.
Questions? Contact Ellen Keane at 978-282-8476 or ellen.keane@noaa.gov.