Federal Register #Docket No. 031125294-4091-02, RTID 0648-XF792

NOAA Temporary Closure of Large-Mesh Drift Gillnet Fishery to Protect Loggerhead Sea Turtles

NOAA is implementing a temporary closure of the large-mesh drift gillnet fishery to protect endangered loggerhead sea turtles during forecasted El Niño conditions: - Government Buyer: - Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) - Acting Director: David R. Blankinship, Office of Sustainable Fisheries - No products or commercial services are being procured; this is a regulatory action - No OEMs, vendors, or commercial manufacturers are involved - Action Details: - Prohibits use of large-mesh (14 inches or greater) drift gillnet gear - Applies to waters off the coast of southern California, east of the 120° W meridian (Southern California Bight) - Closure is in effect for a three-month period during the summer, coinciding with predicted El Niño conditions - Purpose is to protect the endangered North Pacific Ocean Distinct Population Segment of loggerhead sea turtles - Notable Requirements: - Action is mandated under 50 CFR 660.713(c)(2) and based on NOAA Climate Prediction Center data - No procurement, acquisition, or contracting activity is associated with this notice

Description

NMFS is prohibiting fishing with large-mesh drift gillnet (DGN) gear (>=14 inches mesh) off the coast of southern California east of 120° W meridian from June 1, 2026, through August 31, 2026. This prohibition is based on NOAA Climate Prediction Center data indicating warmer than normal sea surface temperatures and an 82% probability of El Niño conditions between May-July. The action aims to protect Endangered Species Act-listed loggerhead sea turtles, specifically the endangered North Pacific Ocean Distinct Population Segment. The closure is mandated under regulations at 50 CFR part 660 to prevent harm to these turtles during the forecasted El Niño event.

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