July 17, 2012 (BOSTON) _ Federal regulators are eliminating certain restrictions designed to stop scallop fishermen from snaring sea turtles.

They say they're unneeded because rule changes and gear modifications are protecting the animals.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is lifting fishing restrictions the fleet faces in the mid-Atlantic during may through November. 

The agency will instead monitor and evaluate gear changes, which appear more effective at protecting turtles.

The booming scallop industry has developed a dredge that knocks turtles out of its way before they get trapped. 

 NOAA also says its research indicates scallop fishermen are not threatening the endangered atlantic sturgeon.