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The Protected Species Workshops conducted by the National Marine Fisheries Service are intended to inform fishers on the protected species issues that may affect the fisheries. These workshops are held by the NMFS Pacific Islands Area Office in cooperation with other agencies.

Sea turtle handling, release, and rescuitation guidelines are presented in an instructional video. Sea turtle biology, species identification and regulations regarding sea turtle mitigation, and recovery are also covered.

Seabird identification, seabird mitigation, information regarding seabird bycatch and mitigation, as well as seabird life history and distribution are also presented at the workshops. A seabird video was created for the Protected Species Workshop illustrating the techniques for general seabird handling as well as specific handling techniques for the Short-tailed albatross.

Marine Mammal species identification, gear disentanglement, and the Marine Mammal Authorization Program are also covered. Species guides and informational placards are given to all workshop participants.

Workshop participants are given workbooks which include copies of each presentation, current regulations, species identification, and handling placards for turtles and seabirds, marine mammal guides.

The Protected Species Workshops are held monthly, as necessary, for new vessel operators entering the fishery. The workshops are usually held on the first Wednesday of the month. Reservations are required and can be made by calling Karla Gore at (808) 973-2935 ext. 218.

The 2002 Protected Species Workshops are tenativeley scheduled for August and September of 2002. Protected Species Workshops are being planned for July in American Samoa. Check the PIAO website for updated information on the 2002 Protected Species Workshop.