Testing of Experimental Deep-set Buoy Gear to Capture Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) off the West Coast of United States

Overview

ID #

13245894

Document Type

Programmatic Environmental Assessment

NOAA Office

National Marine Fisheries Service - West Coast Region

Document Status

Complete

Last Updated

10/06/2017

Summary

The proposed action is to approve for testing of experimental Deep-set Buoy Gear (DSBG) and Deep-set Linked Buoy Gear (DSLBG) trials off the U.S. West Coast via appropriate permitting, award of financial assistance programs, or both. If approved, the proposed action is intended to examine the effects conducting gear trials using deep-set daytime techniques for targeting swordfish off the U.S. West Coast. No potential significant impact to protected species are expected.

The EA should be finalized by fall 2017 to proceed with PRD consultations. The goal is to issue permits and award grants by early spring 2018.