The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Commerce Department, has issued an interim final rule aiming to conserve tropical tuna species in the Eastern Pacific Ocean for 2021. This rule implements measures from the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission, continuing regulations similar to those from 2018-2020. Key provisions include limited catch for bigeye tuna by longline vessels, a 72-day fishing restriction period for large purse seine vessels, and restrictions on fishing locations from October 9 to November 8. The rule is effective immediately to comply with international obligations and ensure the conservation of tuna stocks.
Simple Explanation
The government made a quick decision to protect certain types of fish in the ocean because they are running low. They decided when and where people can catch these fish to make sure there are enough for the future.