Atlantic sturgeon. Credit: University of Maine To submit comments on: Endangered and threatened species; proposed protective regulations for the Gulf of Maine distinct population segment of Atlantic sturgeon RIN No. 0648-AY96 Online: http://www.regulations.gov Fax: 978-281-9394 Attention: Lynn Lankshear Mail or hand delivery: Assistant Regional Administrator, Protected Resources Division, NMFS, Northeast Region, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930

Related Links Proposed rule More on Atlantic sturgeon

NOAA's Fisheries Service has proposed protective regulations on taking Gulf of Maine Atlantic sturgeon, a population currently proposed for listing as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act.

NOAA proposes to prohibit most takes, allowing them under very narrow circumstances for scientific research, assisting stranded fish, and salvage purposes.  Other protective prohibitions allowed by the act would apply. Comments are being accepted through August 9, 2011.

A decision on listing the population is expected next fall. If NOAA determines that a listing is not warranted, then no final rule containing protective regulations will be published and the proposed rule announced today will be withdrawn.

NOAA's mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Visit us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/usnoaagov.