Dehooking Device Mandate to Take Effect June 1 in the Gulf of Mexico

In about 60 days, Red Snapper and other reef fish will have new legal protection, mandated by Amendment 27/14, a joint plan between the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS). This legislation requires at least one dehooking device be available for use in removing hooks embedded in Gulf reef fish with minimal damage.

Aquatic Release Conservation (ARC) of Daytona Beach has introduced a safe release that will be easier and less harmful with the new dehooking device they have developed and marketed. The ARC DEHOOKER meets the design standards of numerous agencies, including NOAA Fisheries/NMFS. The patented pig-tail curl of the ARC DEHOOKER tool meets the specifications for safe removal of internal and externally hooked fish and comes in a multitude of sizes to meet requirements.

Beginning June 1, Amendment 27/14 will require that the hook removal device be constructed to allow the hook to be secured and barb shielded without injuring the fish during the removal process. The dehooking end must be blunt with all edges rounded, and must accommodate all hook sizes used in the Gulf reef fisheries.

In addition to designing dehookers, ARC is also the official and exclusive distributor of the Florida Sea Grant Novak Venting Tool Kit that meets all specifications for venting tools, as required by the new regulations.