It is now illegal to fish around whales and porpoise

[whitey]

Tuna Trolling and Whales
Recent evidence show that tuna fishing lines, trolled through areas where both tuna and whales are feeding, have hooked the wrong species. The strong lines and sharp hooks, necessary for catching large tuna, can dig into blubber of these unintended targets, possibly causing harm to the whale and is a violation of federal law. All whales, dolphins and porpoises in the northeast region are federally protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and most large whales in the area are further protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Under these Acts, it is illegal to "harass, hunt, capture or kill" any marine mammal. Prohibited conduct includes any "negligent or intentional act which results in the disturbing or molesting of marine mammals." The following operational procedures, located in full at: http://www.nero.noaa.gov/prot_res/mmv/are, intended to avoid harassment and possible injury to large whales commonly seen by vessels engaged in tuna fishing. These guidelines can help protect both you and the whales and keep you from accidentally violating federal law. ALWAYS approach areas of surface fish activity cautiously - marine mammals might be present. NEVER cast your line or set your gear near marine mammals. An increasing number of large whales have been observed with recreational gear attached to them. Prevent this from happening and set and/or troll your gear elsewhere. If a marine mammal approaches your gear, remove it from the water.

[WAHOONBOX]

D.C. BABY....D.C.

[Bert Rodgers]

Unbelievable.

Bert

[Dave Sikorski]

I guess it turns out that your vote does count.



-D

[WAHOONBOX]

NEXT THEY ARE GOING TO SAY WE DAMAGE TOO MUCH SEA SALT WITH OUR PROPS.

[TAURUS]

Tuna Trolling and Whales
Recent evidence show that tuna fishing lines, trolled through areas where both tuna and whales are feeding, have hooked the wrong species. The strong lines and sharp hooks, necessary for catching large tuna, can dig into blubber of these unintended targets, possibly causing harm to the whale and is a violation of federal law. All whales, dolphins and porpoises in the northeast region are federally protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and most large whales in the area are further protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Under these Acts, it is illegal to "harass, hunt, capture or kill" any marine mammal. Prohibited conduct includes any "negligent or intentional act which results in the disturbing or molesting of marine mammals." The following operational procedures, located in full at: http://www.nero.noaa.gov/prot_res/mmv/are, intended to avoid harassment and possible injury to large whales commonly seen by vessels engaged in tuna fishing. These guidelines can help protect both you and the whales and keep you from accidentally violating federal law. ALWAYS approach areas of surface fish activity cautiously - marine mammals might be present. NEVER cast your line or set your gear near marine mammals. An increasing number of large whales have been observed with recreational gear attached to them. Prevent this from happening and set and/or troll your gear elsewhere. If a marine mammal approaches your gear, remove it from the water.

not true....there is nothing new in the laws pertaining to recreational fishing......carry on

[whitey]

NEXT THEY ARE GOING TO SAY WE DAMAGE TOO MUCH SEA SALT WITH OUR PROPS.

Next they will say we can not fish around sargassum weed because it is a nursery for baby fish.

[whitey]

not true....there is nothing new in the laws pertaining to recreational fishing......carry on

Read it for yourself straight from NMFS website.
https://hmspermits.noaa.gov/News.asp

https://hmspermits.noaa.gov/other/tunawhalehires2.pdf

[gottaflylee]

Tuna Trolling and Whales
Recent evidence show that tuna fishing lines, trolled through areas where both tuna and whales are feeding, have hooked the wrong species. The strong lines and sharp hooks, necessary for catching large tuna, can dig into blubber of these unintended targets, possibly causing harm to the whale and is a violation of federal law. All whales, dolphins and porpoises in the northeast region are federally protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and most large whales in the area are further protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Under these Acts, it is illegal to "harass, hunt, capture or kill" any marine mammal. Prohibited conduct includes any "negligent or intentional act which results in the disturbing or molesting of marine mammals." The following operational procedures, located in full at: http://www.nero.noaa.gov/prot_res/mmv/are, intended to avoid harassment and possible injury to large whales commonly seen by vessels engaged in tuna fishing. These guidelines can help protect both you and the whales and keep you from accidentally violating federal law. ALWAYS approach areas of surface fish activity cautiously - marine mammals might be present. NEVER cast your line or set your gear near marine mammals. An increasing number of large whales have been observed with recreational gear attached to them. Prevent this from happening and set and/or troll your gear elsewhere. If a marine mammal approaches your gear, remove it from the water.

how do they know that it is our gear that is hung on them...less and less. I hear that they are trying to stop live baiting.

I'm with Box...flood Washington on the 24, if you don't it is your fault we can't fish...power is in numbers...stand tall.

[scattered_grass]

Next they will say we can not fish around sargassum weed because it is a nursery for baby fish.

sadly, I think you're right.