Federal Register #NOAANMFS20250471

NOAA Seeks Comment on Amendment to Puerto Rico Fishery Management Plan for Rainbow Runner

NOAA is seeking public comment on a proposed regulatory amendment affecting fishery management in Puerto Rico: - Government Buyer: - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce - Caribbean Fishery Management Council (as submitting body) - Action Details: - Amendment 4 to the Puerto Rico Fishery Management Plan (Puerto Rico FMP) is under review - Proposes reclassifying rainbow runner from a reef fish to a pelagic fish - Revised management measures include: - Sector annual catch targets (ACTs): - Commercial: 822 lb - Recreational: 7,282 lb - Accountability measures (AMs) for each sector - Retains sector-specific annual catch limits (ACLs): - Commercial: 913 lb - Recreational: 8,091 lb - Amendment aims to align management with the species' life history and fishing patterns - No products or services are being procured; this is a regulatory action - Notable Requirements: - Public comment is requested on the proposed changes - Management changes will affect fishing regulations in federal waters around Puerto Rico - Locations: - Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, St. Petersburg, FL (administrative office) - Federal waters around Puerto Rico (area of regulatory impact)

Description

The Caribbean Fishery Management Council submitted Amendment 4 to the Puerto Rico Fishery Management Plan for review, approval, and implementation by NMFS. This amendment proposes to reclassify rainbow runner from a reef fish to a pelagic fish under the Puerto Rico FMP, resulting in revised management measures including sector annual catch targets and accountability measures. The sector-specific annual catch limits would be retained after reclassification. The purpose is to manage rainbow runner consistent with its life history, fishing patterns, and management of other pelagic species.

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