Washington, D.C.–(ENEWSPF)–April 1, 2011
James Barbour, NOAA fishing gear researcher, holds a swordfish. (Credit: NOAA)
NOAA’s Fisheries Service will require commercial fishermen who fish for yellowfin tuna, swordfish and other species with longlines in the Gulf of Mexico to use a new type of hook, called a weak hook, designed to reduce the incidental catch of Atlantic bluefin tuna. The hooks will be required starting May 5, 2011.
Directed fishing for bluefin tuna in the…
