Changes to the Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan

[Pope]

The National Marine Fisheries Service has released a Guide for Complying with the Atlantic Tunas, Swordfish, Sharks and Billfish Regulations in connection with its Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan.

Of particular interest to recreational anglers in the FMP are the following points:

Billfish tournaments must all use circle hooks with natural bait.
Use of "greensticks" not allowed.
South Atlantic closed to landing of any Large Coastal Sharks 1/1/07 - 4/30/07
Rec anglers must possess HMS permit to land shark(s).
Rec anglers are not permitted to sell any HMS species without a commercial permit.

The full document may be viewed at www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms