Turtle Species Still Needs Protection From Commercial Fishery
A new rule aimed at protecting diamondback terrapin turtles from drowning in recreational blue crab traps will go into effect Wednesday, March 1.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission rule stems from nearly two years of advocacy and a petition filed by conservationists and turtle experts. But the commission has yet to consider badly needed protections in the commercial blue crab fishery.
Under the new rule, all recreational blue crab traps must have rigid entrances of no more than 2 inches by 6 inches or bycatch reduction devices, or “BRDs,” of the same size.
Florida Rule to Protect Diamondback Terrapins From Recreational Crab Traps to Take Effect Wednesday
A new rule aimed at protecting diamondback terrapin turtles from drowning in recreational blue crab traps will go into effect Wednesday, March 1.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission rule stems from nearly two years of advocacy and a petition filed by conservationists and turtle experts. But the commission has yet to consider badly needed protections in the commercial blue crab fishery.
Under the new rule, all recreational blue crab traps must have rigid entrances of no more than 2 inches by 6 inches or bycatch reduction devices, or “BRDs,” of the same size.
Florida Rule to Protect Diamondback Terrapins From Recreational Crab Traps to Take Effect Wednesday