The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued a final rule to implement measures for minimizing salmon bycatch in the Pacific Coast groundfish fishery. These measures aim to reduce the incidental catch of Endangered Species Act-listed Chinook and coho salmon. The rule introduces new management tools, including specific area closures and gear requirements, and establishes conditions under which fishery participants can access a Chinook salmon bycatch reserve. The rule also allows for the creation of Salmon Mitigation Plans (SMPs) by groups of fishing vessels to help manage bycatch while providing certain flexibilities to the industry.
Simple Explanation
The rule is like putting special controls on fishing to make sure people don’t catch too many special fish called Chinook and coho salmon, which need help to survive. It's like making safety rules at the playground to keep everyone safe and happy, so the fish and fishermen can keep doing their jobs without hurting each other.