Federal Register #2026-21205

Proposed Spiny Lobster Catch Limit Changes for St. Croix and St. Thomas and St. John

NOAA is proposing updated annual catch limits for spiny lobster in two U.S. Virgin Islands management areas. - Government buyer and agency: U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). - Proposed catch-limit changes: - St. Croix: increase the annual catch limit from 137,254 pounds to 176,760 pounds. - St. Thomas and St. John: decrease the annual catch limit from 133,207 pounds to 132,964 pounds. - Purpose and requirements: The proposed limits use updated stock assessments and are intended to prevent overfishing and achieve optimum yield. - Procurement status: This is a proposed regulatory action, not a procurement request. No products, services, OEMs, vendors, or quantities to be purchased are identified.

Description

NMFS proposes regulations to implement Framework Action 4 under the St. Croix and St. Thomas and St. John Fishery Management Plans, prepared by the Caribbean Fishery Management Council. The proposed rule would revise annual catch limits for spiny lobster, increasing the St. Croix limit from 137,254 lb to 176,760 lb and decreasing the St. Thomas and St. John limit from 133,207 lb to 132,964 lb. The updated limits are based on the SEDAR 91 stock assessments and are intended to prevent overfishing and achieve optimum yield. Written comments must be received by November 16, 2026.

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