Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Revisions to Fishing Gear Regulations

NMFS is proposing regulatory revisions to fishing gear requirements in fisheries targeting Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS) to increase flexibility and remove inefficiencies, thus increasing fishing opportunities and the ability of HMS fisheries to achieve optimum yield. Specifically, NMFS is proposing changes to buoy gear regulations that include modifying gear deployment and retrieval requirements, authorizing this gear under additional permits, and allowing the retention of additional species. NMFS is also proposing changes to speargun fishing gear regulations that include authorizing this gear under additional permits and targeting additional species. Finally, NMFS is proposing overarching changes regarding gear used for the collection of bait in all HMS fisheries.