Federal Register #NOAA-NMFS-2025-0471

NOAA Proposes Regulatory Change for Rainbow Runner Management in Puerto Rico

This opportunity concerns a proposed regulatory change by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) affecting the management of rainbow runner fish in Puerto Rico. - Government Buyer: - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), under NOAA, with involvement from the Caribbean Fishery Management Council and the Southeast Regional Office - Products/Services Requested: - No procurement of goods or services; this is a regulatory action impacting the classification and management of the rainbow runner fish - Rainbow runner (Jacks Carangidae) reclassified from reef fish to pelagic fish under the Puerto Rico Fishery Management Plan (FMP) - Commercial annual catch limit (ACL): 913 lb; commercial annual catch target (ACT): 822 lb - Recreational ACL: 8,091 lb; recreational ACT: 7,282 lb - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Implements sector-specific ACTs and accountability measures (AMs) consistent with pelagic fish management - Removes reef fish-specific restrictions, potentially allowing fishing during previously closed seasons (e.g., Bajo de Sico) - Updated ACLs and ACTs for other species under the FMP - No OEMs or vendors are mentioned, as this is a regulatory change, not a procurement of goods or services - The rule is open for public comment and primarily affects commercial and recreational fishing businesses in Puerto Rico

Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) proposes regulations to implement Amendment 4 to the Puerto Rico Fishery Management Plan (FMP), prepared by the Caribbean Fishery Management Council. The amendment would reclassify rainbow runner from a reef fish to a pelagic fish under the Puerto Rico FMP and implement management measures based on this classification, including sector annual catch targets and accountability measures. 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 the Council's management of other pelagic species.

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