Sea Turtle Release Kit
South Chatham Tackle Sea turtle mitigation gear to safely aid in the release of sea turtles. All of these tools meet the requirements of set forth by NOAA
The effective date for the requirement for federally-permitted snapper-grouper vessels to carry sea turtle dehooking tools and protected species handling and release guidelines/protocols will be February 15, 2010.
Amendment 15B regulations:
• Require all commercial and for-hire snapper-grouper vessels to: 1) Comply with sea turtle and smalltooth sawfish release procedures; 2) carry onboard specific gear to ensure proper release of incidentally caught sea turtles; 3) carry onboard a copy of “Careful Release Protocols for Sea Turtle Release with Minimal Injury” provided by NOAA Fisheries Service; and 4) post the “Sea Turtle Handling and Release” placard (provided by NOAA Fisheries Service) in the wheelhouse or an easily viewable area.
South Atlantic Council chose to require the same gear regardless of freeboard height. Requiring that all gear be present onboard regardless of freeboard height ensures that fishermen have the appropriate gear onboard to remove the maximum amount of fishing gear, and it ensures that fishermen are able to remove the maximum amount of fishing gear from turtles that cannot be boated. The South Atlantic Council also determined that requiring all gear could resolve law enforcement concerns on vessels where the freeboard varies.
Sea Turtle Release FAQ
South Atlantic Sea Turtle Release Placard
Sea Turtle Release Protocols
Sea Turtle Release Kit
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