The National Marine Fisheries Service is once again considering a spot on the endangered species list for the Atlantic white marlin. The fish's status is currently under review as the NMFS collects information from the public regarding threats to the species.
The white marlin was already reviewed once before for Endangered Species Act status in 2002, but was determined to be not eligible at the time.
The NMFS is currently soliciting information from the public on topics including historical and current abundance, rates of capture and release from fishermen, post-release mortality and general threats to the species, including destruction of habitat, overfishing and disease.
Public information must be submitted by February 20, 2007. Those wishing to submit information can send email to whitemarlin.info@noaa.gov. Please write "white marlin review" in the subject line.
The 2006 white marlin stock assessment can be found here: www.iccat.int
