Reducing Sea Turtle Mortality Through Removal of Illegal Fishing Gear
Implementing Organization
State of Texas
Overview
DWH Project Funding
$2,220,000
Known Leveraged Funding
$0
Funding Organization
Natural Resource Damage Assessment Trustees (NRDA)
Funding Program
Natural Resource Damage Assessment NRDA
Details
Project Category
Environmental
Project Actions
Species Restoration
Targeted Resources
Sea Turtles
Project Description
Sea turtles are known to become hooked and entangled in longline and gill net gear causing injury and death. This project will enhance the ability of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) enforcement personnel to identify and remove illegal fishing gear from the water, therefore reducing the risk of injury and mortality to sea turtles in U.S. waters. The project will be conducted in state and federal waters off the southern Texas coast, primarily from Corpus Christi, Texas to the U.S.-Mexico border. The project will result in the 1) purchase of long-range vessel(s), and 2) enhanced enforcement patrol efforts to identify and remove illegal fishing gear from the water (e.g., gill nets and longline gear). In addition, dock space/floating dock for vessel(s) used for this project may be procured.
Contact
Heather Podlipny(512) 389-8703
heather.podlipny@tpwd.texas.gov
Project Website
None
For official trustee information regarding the Deepwater Horizon NRDA, including information regarding the NRDA process and the status of projects, see https://www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov/