Gear-Marking Requirements for Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan

Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office

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Protected Resources Division

Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan (ALWTRP)
2014 Northeast Trap/Pot Management Changes Summary
In 2014, the ALWTRP was modified to include the following new requirements and definitions:

Gear Markings
Gear marking colors remain the same and are defined under each individual management area,
however the frequency and size of the markings has changed. Now all buoy lines must be marked
with three marks (at the top of the line, middle, and bottom of the line). Each mark must be 12
inches (30.48-cm) long.

New Trap/Pot Closure
A new closure called the “Massachusetts Restricted Area” has been added for trap/pot gear from
January 1-April 30th.

Minimum Number of Traps Per Trawl Requirements
Many of the ALWTRP management areas now require a minimum number of traps per trawl
based on area fished and distance from shore. For specific management area information, visit:
www.nero.noaa.gov/whaletrp

Minimum Number of Traps Per Trawl Requirement Exemptions
New Hampshire state waters are exempt from the new minimum trap per trawl
requirements.
Waters within 1/4 mile of Mohegan Island, Maine; Matinicus Island, Maine; and Ragged
Island, Maine are exempt from the new minimum trap per trawl requirements.

New Definitions
Maine Six Mile Line waters and Maine Pocket Waters were defined for minimum number of
trap per trawl requirements. For more information, visit: www.nero.noaa.gov/whaletrp

For more information on these and other ALWTRP requirements, visit
our website: www.nero.noaa.gov/whaletrp

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