NOAAFinal Rule

Fishery Management Plans of Puerto Rico, St. Croix, and St. Thomas and St. John; Amendment 3

AgricultureEnvironment

Summary

This federal rule updates fishing regulations for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to better protect fish populations and manage how much fishing is allowed in local waters. The changes aim to keep fishing sustainable so that fish stocks remain healthy for both the fishing industry and communities that depend on seafood.

Key Points

  • 1The rule modifies fishing catch limits and seasons for various fish species in Puerto Rico, St. Croix, and St. Thomas and St. John
  • 2Commercial and recreational fishers in these Caribbean territories must follow the new rules when catching fish in federal waters
  • 3The changes are based on updated scientific data about fish population levels to prevent overfishing
  • 4Fishing businesses, charter services, and recreational fishers in these areas will need to adjust their practices to comply with the new limits
  • 5The rule helps balance economic needs of fishing communities with the long-term health of marine ecosystems

Key Dates

Published

June 25, 2025

This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.

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