NOAA's Fisheries Service has proposed protective regulations on taking Gulf of Maine Atlantic sturgeon, a population currently proposed for listing as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act.
NOAA proposes to prohibit most takes, allowing them under very narrow circumstances for scientific research, assisting stranded fish, and salvage purposes. Other protective prohibitions allowed by the act would apply. Comments are being accepted through August 9, 2011.
A decision on listing the population is expected next fall. If NOAA determines that a listing is not warranted, then no final rule containing protective regulations will be published and the proposed rule announced today will be withdrawn.
Read the complete release from NOAA.