NOAA Fisheries has announced it will allow research to proceed in portions of the East Florida Coast and Charleston Bump closed areas by pelagic longline vessels. The successful rebuilding of Atlantic swordfish populations and new bycatch reduction measures in longline fisheries have provided support for the decision to issue the permit to a limited number of pelagic longline vessels. Permitted research will be required to be carried out with 100 percent observer coverage on vessels and the use of 18/0 non-offset circle hooks to maintain scientific and conservation standards.
