Environmental assessment on issuance of a scientific research permit for sea turtle research in North Carolina Issuance of a scientific research permit for sea turtle research in North Carolina

"NMFS proposes to issue scientific research Permit No. 15135 to test commercial gillnet gear that may have the potential to eliminate or reduce sea turtle bycatch. The research involves testing large mesh (> 5 inches) commercial gillnets targeting southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) in shallow waters of Core Sound, North Carolina. Test nets would be configured with illuminated, green Lindgen-Pitman Electralume lights. Five species of sea turtles may be captured in the nets. Live turtles would be measured, photographed, tagged, and released. The permit would authorize a limited number of turtle mortalities. Individual turtles could experience short-lived harassment, injury or death. However, impacts from the research would be limited to the short timeframe of the project (less than two years) and would be minimal at the population and species levels"--Cover letter.