Sea Turtle Bycatch in the Gulf of Mexico Fishery
Date Filed: 04/15/2009
Case Status: Active
Caribbean Conservation Corporation et al. v. Locke
Case Description:
On April 15, 2009 Defenders challenged the National Marine Fisheries Service for its ongoing violation of the Endangered Species Act due to the unauthorized capture, injury, and death of threatened and endangered sea turtles in the bottom-set longline sector of the government authorized Gulf of Mexico reef fish fishery. The agency has failed to reduce ongoing take of listed species in the bottom longline fishery.
Related Documents:
Comment Letter (3/26/2009)
60 Day Notice Letter (1/13/2009)
Complaint (4/15/2009)
Co-filers:
Earthjustice, Center for Biological Diversity, Caribbean Conservation Corporation, Florida Wildlife Federation, Gulf Restoration Network, Sea Turtle Restoration Project
Updates:
05/01/2009
On May 1, 2009, the National Marine Fisheries Service announced its intent to close the Gulf of Mexico bottom longline fishery for six months in order to protect threatened and endangered sea turtles. Plaintiffs hope this closure will allow the agency time to come into compliance with the ESA, including the preparation of a new Biological Opinion for the fishery, while protecting sea turtles from injury and death.
