# Fisheries Off West Coast States; Highly Migratory Fisheries; California Drift Gillnet Fishery; Sperm Whale Interaction Restriction
> **Rule** · Temporary rule; emergency action; request for comments. · Published 2013-09-04 · Effective 2013-09-04 · 78 FR 54548
## Document
- **Document number:** 2013-21487
- **Category:** seasonal-closure
- **Region:** west coast
- **Species:** whale
- **Federal Register citation:** 78 FR 54548
- **Publication date:** 2013-09-04
- **Effective date:** 2013-09-04
- **NOAA docket:** Docket No. 130802674-3749-01
## Abstract

NMFS is issuing temporary regulations under the authority of Section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) to: implement an immediate closure of the California thresher shark/swordfish drift gillnet (mesh size >=14 inches) (DGN) fishery if one sperm whale is observed killed or seriously injured in DGN gear off California, and require all DGN fishing vessels to carry a NMFS-trained observer from August 15, 2013 to January 31, 2014 in a 100% observer coverage area (Zone). The Zone covers nearly all areas in the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ) deeper than the 1,100 fathoms (fm) (2,012 meters (m)) depth contour. Owners/operators of vessels intending to fish with DGN gear will be required to install, activate, carry and operate a vessel monitoring system (VMS) prior to embarking on a DGN fishing trip after the effective date of this rule.

## Source
- [Federal Register document](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2013/09/04/2013-21487/fisheries-off-west-coast-states-highly-migratory-fisheries-california-drift-gillnet-fishery-sperm)
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