Source: International Game Fish Association (IGFA)
[dropcap]N[/dropcap]OAA Fisheries wants your input on proposed measures that could benefit Atlantic bluefin tuna and recreational anglers by reducing bycatch on surface longline fishing gear. The agency is also considering a harmful measure that would penalize recreational fishermen for waste in the longline fishery. Make your voice heard today to ensure NOAA takes steps that will improve this proposal!
Surface longlines kill thousands of hard-fighting game fish, including white marlin, sailfish, and bluefin tuna. In 2012, the fishery threw back dead nearly 25% of the U.S. bluefin quota. Action is needed to end the waste of bluefin and ensure that surface longliners, not recreational fishermen, are held accountable for this incidental catch.
Please join us in calling on NOAA Fisheries to implement strong measures that will protect spawning bluefin in the Gulf of Mexico and reduce unwanted catch off North Carolina, hold surface longliners accountable for bluefin bycatch, maintain current bluefin quota allocations, and promote increased fishing opportunities for recreational anglers.
Don’t Let This One Get Away: Send your comment and help improve NOAA’s proposal. Click here to go to Petition […]
