Rule2026-20330
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of America, and South Atlantic; Puerto Rico Fishery Management Plan; Amendment 4
Primary source
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Published
October 5, 2026
Effective
October 5, 2026
Issuing agencies
Commerce DepartmentNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Abstract
NMFS issues regulations to implement Amendment 4 to the Puerto Rico Fishery Management Plan (Puerto Rico FMP), as prepared and submitted by the Caribbean Fishery Management Council (Council). This final rule reclassifies the rainbow runner from a reef fish to a pelagic fish under the Puerto Rico FMP and implements management measures for rainbow runner based on the pelagic fish classification, including sector annual catch targets (ACTs) and accountability measures (AMs). The existing sector-specific annual catch limits (ACLs) for rainbow runner will be retained after the reclassification. The purpose of this final rule and Amendment 4 is to ensure that rainbow runner is managed consistent with its life history characteristics, fishing patterns, and with the Council's management of other pelagic species.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 191 (Monday, October 5, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 191 (Monday, October 5, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63160-63166]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-20330]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
50 CFR Part 622
[Docket No. 260930-0011]
RIN 0648-BN67
Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of America, and South Atlantic;
Puerto Rico Fishery Management Plan; Amendment 4
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: NMFS issues regulations to implement Amendment 4 to the Puerto
Rico Fishery Management Plan (Puerto Rico FMP), as prepared and
submitted by the Caribbean Fishery Management Council (Council). This
final rule reclassifies the rainbow runner from a reef fish to a
pelagic fish under the Puerto Rico FMP and implements management
measures for rainbow runner based on the pelagic fish classification,
including sector annual catch targets (ACTs) and accountability
measures (AMs). The existing sector-specific annual catch limits (ACLs)
for rainbow runner will be retained after the reclassification. The
purpose of this final rule and Amendment 4 is to ensure that rainbow
runner is managed consistent with its life history characteristics,
fishing patterns, and with the Council's management of other pelagic
species.
DATES: This final rule is effective October 5, 2026.
ADDRESSES: Electronic copies of Amendment 4, which includes a fishery
impact statement, a regulatory impact review, and a Regulatory
Flexibility Act analysis, may be obtained from the Southeast Regional
Office website at <a href="https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/amendment-4-puerto-rico-fishery-management-plan-reclassification-rainbow-runner-pelagic-fish">https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/amendment-4-puerto-rico-fishery-management-plan-reclassification-rainbow-runner-pelagic-fish</a>.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Maria Lopez-Mercer, 727-824-5305,
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c1aca0b3a8a0efadaeb1a4bb81afaea0a0efa6aeb7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="88e5e9fae1e9a6e4e7f8edf2c8e6e7e9e9a6efe7fe">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Rainbow runner is currently managed under
the Puerto Rico FMP as a reef fish. The FMP was prepared by the Council
and NMFS, approved by the Secretary of Commerce, and implemented by
NMFS through regulations at 50 CFR part 622 under the authority of the
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-
Stevens Act).
Background
The Magnuson-Stevens Act requires that NMFS and the regional
fishery management councils prevent overfishing and achieve, on a
continuing basis, the optimum yield from federally managed fish stocks
to ensure that fishery resources are managed for the greatest overall
benefit to the Nation, particularly with respect to providing food
production and recreational opportunities and protecting marine
ecosystems.
This action is taken under the statutory authority of the Magnuson-
Stevens Act section 303(a)(1) as necessary and appropriate for the
conservation and management of the fishery to prevent overfishing and
to promote the long-term health and stability of the fishery.
On May 21, 2026, NMFS published a notice of availability for
Amendment 4 and requested public comment (91 FR 29927). On July 8,
2026, NMFS published a proposed rule for Amendment 4 and requested
public comment (91 FR 42158). NMFS approved Amendment 4 on August 19,
2026. The proposed rule and notice of availability for Amendment 4
outline the rationale for the actions contained in this final rule. The
management measures described in Amendment 4 and implemented by this
final rule are described below.
During development of the Puerto Rico FMP, finfish stocks were
classified into three descriptive categories: reef fish, pelagic fish,
and rays. At that time, the rainbow runner and two other jack species
that were new to Federal management under the Puerto Rico FMP (crevalle
jack and African pompano) were classified as reef fish. Under the
Puerto Rico FMP, each jack species is managed as an individual stock
rather than in a stock complex because of differences in the primary
location where they are caught. As described in the Puerto Rico FMP,
rainbow runner is commonly caught in open water, while crevalle jack is
commonly harvested closer to shore and around mangrove channels, and
African pompano is commonly caught off the beach. With the
implementation of the Puerto Rico FMP in October 2022, rainbow runner
became subject to management measures applicable to reef fish in
Federal waters around Puerto Rico. Federal waters around Puerto Rico
extend seaward from 9 nautical miles or 16.7 kilometers from shore to
the offshore boundary of the U.S. Caribbean exclusive economic zone.
Under the Puerto Rico FMP, regulations that apply to all reef fish,
including rainbow runner as originally classified, include anchoring
restrictions, prohibited fishing gear types, seasonal closures, and a
combined recreational bag and possession limit. Also, as a reef fish
species, rainbow runner was subject to commercial and recreational
ACLs, a total ACL, and sector-specific AMs.
Unless otherwise noted, all weights in this final rule are
described in pounds (lb) round weight. Under the Puerto Rico FMP,
commercial and recreational data were available to establish sector-
specific ACLs for rainbow runner, which were equal to 10.14 percent for
[[Page 63161]]
commercial and 89.86 percent for recreational of the total ACL. For
rainbow runner, the commercial ACL is 913 lb (414.1 kilograms (kg)),
the recreational ACL is 8,091 lb (3,670 kg), and the total ACL is 9,004
lb (4,084.1 kg).
Under the Puerto Rico FMP, at or near the beginning of the fishing
year, landings for each stock, stock complex, or indicator stock of
reef fish are evaluated relative to the ACL based on a moving multi-
year average of landings, as described in the FMP (50 CFR
622.440(a)(4)). When landings for one sector are not available for
comparison to that sector's ACL, the ACL for the sector with available
landings is the applicable ACL for the stock or stock complex. At this
time, recreational landings for rainbow runner are not available;
therefore, commercial landings are evaluated relative to the commercial
ACL to determine if the AM specified in 50 CFR 622.440(a)(7) applies.
If NMFS estimates that available commercial landings for rainbow runner
have exceeded the commercial ACL, the Assistant Administrator for NMFS
will file a notification with the Office of the Federal Register to
reduce the length of the commercial and recreational fishing seasons
for rainbow runner within that fishing year by the amount necessary to
prevent commercial landings from exceeding the commercial ACL, unless
NMFS determines that a reduction is not necessary based on the best
scientific information available, or unless the ACL was exceeded
because data collection or monitoring improved rather than because
landings increased (50 CFR 622.440(a)(7)).
Since implementation of the Puerto Rico FMP in 2022, the status of
the rainbow runner stock has not been formally assessed through a stock
assessment; as such, the overfished status is unknown. During that
time, rainbow runner has been determined to be not undergoing
overfishing based on a comparison of landings relative to the
overfishing limit proxy.
As described in Amendment 4, no AM-based fishing season reductions
for rainbow runner have been applied. In 2024, the most recent
commercial landings of rainbow runner (1,177 lb (534 kg) in 2022)
exceeded the commercial ACL (913 lb (414.1 kg)) by 264 lb (120 kg).
However, the AM was not implemented (i.e., the lengths of the
commercial and recreational fishing seasons were not reduced) because
NMFS determined that the commercial ACL was exceeded due to improved
data collection and monitoring rather than an increase in landings.
At the April 2023 Council meeting, the Council began to discuss
reclassifying rainbow runner as a pelagic fish under the Puerto Rico
FMP instead of as a reef fish to better reflect the way the species is
fished. Methods and techniques used to harvest rainbow runner are
consistent with those used for pelagic fishing in Federal waters around
Puerto Rico. Around Puerto Rico, rainbow runner are caught in the water
column, while reef fish are usually caught off the bottom. The Council
requested its Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) to evaluate
life history information and landings data available for rainbow runner
and provide a recommendation on the classification of rainbow runner.
The SSC determined that there was sufficient information to support the
reclassification of the species as a pelagic fish and recommended that
the Council reclassify rainbow runner as a pelagic fish under the
Puerto Rico FMP. At the August 2023 Council meeting, the Council
accepted the SSC's recommendation and began developing Amendment 4.
Management Measures Contained in This Final Rule
This final rule reclassifies rainbow runner from a reef fish to a
pelagic fish under the Puerto Rico FMP definitions. The
reclassification subjects rainbow runner to Federal regulations under
the FMP applicable to pelagic fish and excludes the species from
Federal regulations applicable to reef fish. The current sector ACLs
will not change as a result of the reclassification. This final rule
also establishes sector ACTs and subjects rainbow runner to AMs
consistent with management of pelagic fish.
Reclassification of Rainbow Runner as a Pelagic Fish
Rainbow runner was initially defined as a reef fish species under
the Puerto Rico FMP (50 CFR 622.431). As such, regulations that pertain
to managed reef fish have applied to rainbow runner. Reef fish-specific
regulations include anchoring restrictions, prohibited fishing gear
types, seasonal closures, a combined recreational bag and possession
limit, a total ACL (i.e., combined commercial and recreational ACLs),
and sector-specific AMs. This final rule removes rainbow runner from
the definition of ``reef fish'' in table 3 to 50 CFR 622.431 and adds
it to the definition of ``pelagic fish'' in table 1 to 50 CFR 622.431.
As a result of the changes to the definitions, reef fish-specific
regulations under the FMP will no longer apply to rainbow runner.
Specifically, restrictions designed to protect reef fish populations,
including a recreational bag and possession limit (50 CFR
622.444(a)(2)) and a seasonal closure in the Bajo de Sico area off
western Puerto Rico (50 CFR 622.439(a)(3)), will not apply to rainbow
runner as a pelagic fish.
As described in Amendment 4, rainbow runner behaves as a pelagic
species and has been historically targeted by Puerto Rico commercial
and recreational fishermen consistent with other pelagic species,
although catches are infrequent and variable. Reclassifying rainbow
runner as a pelagic fish is not expected to change how the species is
currently fished in Federal waters around Puerto Rico or increase the
risk of overfishing of the stock. Under the Puerto Rico FMP, crevalle
jack and African pompano will continue to be classified and managed as
reef fish, which is consistent with their life history characteristics
and fishing patterns in Federal waters around Puerto Rico.
Annual Catch Limits and Annual Catch Targets
Reclassifying rainbow runner from a reef fish to a pelagic fish
under the Puerto Rico FMP will not change the commercial ACL (913 lb
(414 kg)) or the recreational ACL (8,091 lb (3,670 kg)). Rather, the
reclassification removes rainbow runner commercial, recreational, and
total ACLs from the tables for reef fish under 50 CFR 622.440(a) and
adds the commercial and recreational ACLs to 50 CFR 622.440(b) for
pelagic fish. The sector allocations of 10.14 percent commercial and
89.86 percent recreational that were established under the Puerto Rico
FMP will remain unchanged. Because AMs for pelagic fish do not evaluate
landings relative to total ACLs (i.e., combined commercial and
recreational ACLs), the total ACL value of 9,004 lb (4,084.1 kg) for
rainbow runner will be removed from regulations.
Additionally, the reclassification as a pelagic fish requires the
establishment of sector-specific ACTs as part of the AMs applicable to
pelagic fish. Consistent with management of the other pelagic fish
under the Puerto Rico FMP, the sector ACTs will be set at 90 percent of
their respective sector ACLs.
Managing pelagic species with sector ACTs and ACLs is intended to
serve as a precautionary measure to address harvest uncertainty for
pelagic species that are new to Federal management. This final rule
sets the commercial ACT of rainbow runner at 822 lb (373 kg) and
[[Page 63162]]
the recreational ACT at 7,282 lb (3,303 kg).
Accountability Measures
This final rule also changes the AM applicable to rainbow runner
from the AMs described in 50 CFR 622.440(a)(4)-(7) for reef fish and
applies the pelagic fish AM described in 50 CFR 622.440(b)(7). Under
the pelagic fish AM, if NMFS estimates that landings have exceeded the
applicable ACT for a stock or stock complex, NMFS will determine the
appropriate corrective action in consultation with the Council. Unlike
a season reduction required by the reef fish AM, the pelagic fish AM
provides managers with the flexibility to adapt management responses to
an overage based on current fishery information and conditions.
By applying the pelagic AM to rainbow runner, the corrective action
includes a consultation process to ensure the long-term sustainability
of the resource, rather than an automatic season reduction.
Comments and Responses
NMFS received nine comments during the public comment periods on
the notice of availability and proposed rule for Amendment 4, which
were submitted by individuals in the general public and fishing
organizations.
Six comments were in support of reclassifying rainbow runner from a
reef fish to a pelagic fish, and NMFS agrees with those comments.
Within this group, one commenter urged NMFS to address broader
management considerations, such as expanding stock assessments,
reassessing ACT buffers for data-limited species, issuing
identification guides, and accounting for climate dynamics. Another
supporting commenter recommended explicitly listing the rainbow runner
on Puerto Rico catch reporting tools. This same commenter called for a
localized electronic monitoring pilot project for pelagic vessels in
the Bajo de Sico area to quantify incidental reef fish bycatch, paired
with a 3-year review of rainbow runner ACLs based on the resulting
data. NMFS appreciates the information provided in these comments.
However, because these recommendations are outside the scope of this
specific regulatory action, they were not considered by NMFS and the
Council in development of Amendment 4. NMFS notes that these
recommendations could be considered by the Council in the future as
suggestions to improve pelagic fishing monitoring and data collection
off Puerto Rico.
Two comments fell outside the scope of the action and are not
addressed in this final rule. These included opposition to all fishing
on animal welfare grounds and recommendations to prohibit all
commercial fishing in favor of alternative proteins and subsistence
fishing.
One comment was opposed to the proposed actions specific to
Amendment 4 and the proposed rule, which is summarized below, along
with NMFS' response.
Comment 1: The rainbow runner should not be reclassified as a
pelagic fish because the reclassification removes vital reef
protections without scientific justification or meaningful local
stakeholder consultation.
Response: NMFS disagrees that rainbow runner should not be
reclassified as a pelagic species under the Puerto Rico FMP or that the
reclassification removes vital protections without scientific
justification or meaningful stakeholder consultation. This action
directly responds to requests from Puerto Rican fishermen to increase
fishing opportunities and is necessary to ensure the species is
categorized accurately based on its life history and harvest
characteristics. As discussed in Amendment 4, rainbow runner behaves as
a pelagic species and has historically been targeted by Puerto Rico
commercial and recreational fishermen in a manner consistent with other
pelagic species, although catches remain infrequent and variable. In
Federal waters off Puerto Rico, rainbow runner are caught in the water
column using pelagic gear and methods, whereas reef fish species are
targeted and caught off the bottom. Reclassifying rainbow runner as a
pelagic fish aligns management with the biological traits of the stock
and the operational realities of the fishery, and is not expected to
change how the species is currently fished or increase the risk of
overfishing the stock. Because pelagic fishing already occurs during
the seasonal closure in the Bajo de Sico managed area, incorporating
rainbow runner into the pelagic complex is not anticipated to increase
overall pelagic fishing effort. The commercial and recreational harvest
of rainbow runner will continue to be managed and monitored with ACLs
and the newly established ACTs.
While specific reef fish regulations will no longer apply for
rainbow runner, existing habitat protections will remain intact. For
example, this rule does not alter year-round anchoring restrictions in
the Bajo de Sico managed area, nor does it authorize gear types not
previously evaluated and approved for harvesting pelagic species in
Federal waters off Puerto Rico.
Furthermore, the action is based on scientific evaluation and
robust procedural consultation. As discussed in Amendment 4, the
Council directed its SSC to evaluate available life history information
and landings data for rainbow runner. Following its review, the SSC
determined that sufficient information existed to support the
reclassification and recommended the change. Subsequently, NMFS
certified that the actions in Amendment 4 are based on the best
scientific information available. Stakeholder input was solicited and
received during open Council meetings and through the Federal notice
and comment rulemaking process.
NMFS has not made any changes from the proposed rule to this final
rule based on public comment.
Classification
Pursuant to section 304(b)(3) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the NMFS
Assistant Administrator has determined that this final rule is
consistent with Amendment 4 to the Puerto Rico FMP, other provisions of
the Magnuson-Stevens Act, and other applicable law.
This final rule has been determined to be not significant for
purposes of Executive Order 12866. This final rule is expected to be an
Executive Order 14192 deregulatory action.
NMFS has determined that this action would not have a substantial
direct effect on one or more Indian Tribes, on the relationship between
the Federal Government and Indian Tribes, or on the distribution of
power and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian
Tribes; therefore, consultation with Tribal officials under Executive
Order 13175 is not required, and the requirements of section (5)(b) and
(c) of Executive Order 13175 also do not apply. A Tribal summary impact
statement under section (5)(b)(2)(B) and (c)(2) of Executive Order
13175 is not required and has not been prepared.
The Magnuson-Stevens Act provides the statutory basis for this
final rule. No duplicative, overlapping, or conflicting Federal rules
have been identified. A description of this final rule, why it is being
implemented, and the purpose of this final rule are contained in the
SUMMARY and SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION sections of this final rule.
This final rule contains no information collection requirements
under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
The Senior Lead Counsel for Regulation of the Department of
Commerce certified to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small
Business
[[Page 63163]]
Administration during the proposed rule stage that this action would
not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small
entities. The factual basis for the certification was published in the
proposed rule and is not repeated here. No comments were received
regarding this certification. As a result, a final regulatory
flexibility analysis was not required and none was prepared.
Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(1), the 30-day delay to the effective
date of this rule does not apply because this rule relieves a
restriction. Reclassifying rainbow runner from a reef fish to a pelagic
fish under the Puerto Rico FMP removes reef fish-specific restrictions,
including aggregate recreational bag and possession limits, anchoring
prohibitions, and seasonal closures. Commercial and recreational
fishermen will now be permitted to harvest rainbow runner year-round in
Federal waters of the Bajo de Sico area in western Puerto Rico,
including during the previously prohibited period of October 1 through
March 31. If there was a 30-day delay in effective date for this rule,
fishery participants would remain restricted from fishing for rainbow
runner in the Bajo de Sico area after October 1 and would remain
subject to the restrictions and prohibitions in place for reef fish
under the Puerto Rico FMP.
This final rule provides greater management flexibility and expands
fishing opportunities for the harvest of rainbow runner from a reef
fish to a pelagic species under the Puerto Rico FMP. Therefore,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(1), the 30-day delay in effective date
requirement does not apply to this rule.
List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 622
Caribbean, Fisheries, Fishing, Puerto Rico, Rainbow runner.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
Dated: September 30, 2026.
Samuel D. Rauch III,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine
Fisheries Service.
For the reasons set out in the preamble, NMFS amends 50 CFR part
622 as follows:
PART 622--FISHERIES OF THE CARIBBEAN, GULF OF AMERICA, AND SOUTH
ATLANTIC
0
1. The authority citation for part 622 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.
0
2. In Sec. 622.431, under the definition of Pelagic fish revise Table
1 to Sec. 622.431 and under the definition of Reef fish revise Table 3
to Sec. 622.431 to read as follows:
Sec. 622.431 Definitions.
* * * * *
Table 1 to Sec. 622.431
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class or family Scientific name English common name
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dolphinfishes--Coryphaenidae Coryphaena hippurus. Dolphinfish.
Coryphaena equiselis Pompano dolphinfish.
Barracudas--Sphyraenidae.... Sphyraena barracuda. Great barracuda.
Jacks--Carangidae........... Elagatis bipinnulata Rainbow runner.
Mackerels and tunas-- Thunnus atlanticus.. Blackfin tuna.
Scombridae.
Scomberomorus Cero.
regalis.
Scomberomorus King mackerel.
cavalla.
Euthynnus Little tunny.
alletteratus.
Acanthocybium Wahoo.
solandri.
Tripletails--Lobotidae...... Lobotes surinamensis Tripletail.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
Table 3 to Sec. 622.431
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class or Family Scientific name English common name
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Angelfishes--Pomacanthidae.. Pomacanthus paru.... French angelfish.
Pomacanthus arcuatus Gray angelfish.
Holacanthus ciliaris Queen angelfish.
Groupers--Serranidae........ Mycteroperca bonaci. Black grouper.
Cephalopholis fulva. Coney.
Epinephelus itajara. Goliath grouper.
Cephalopholis Graysby.
cruentata.
Hyporthodus Misty grouper.
mystacinus.
Epinephelus striatus Nassau grouper.
Epinephelus morio... Red grouper.
Epinephelus guttatus Red hind.
Epinephelus Rock hind.
adscensionis.
Mycteroperca tigris. Tiger grouper.
Hyporthodus Yellowedge grouper.
flavolimbatus.
Mycteroperca Yellowfin grouper.
venenosa.
Mycteroperca Yellowmouth grouper.
interstitialis.
Grunts--Haemulidae.......... Haemulon plumierii.. White grunt.
Jacks--Carangidae........... Alectis ciliaris.... African pompano.
Caranx hippos....... Crevalle jack.
Parrotfishes--Scaridae...... Scarus coeruleus.... Blue parrotfish.
Scarus coelestinus.. Midnight parrotfish.
Scarus taeniopterus. Princess parrotfish.
Scarus vetula....... Queen parrotfish.
Scarus guacamaia.... Rainbow parrotfish.
[[Page 63164]]
Sparisoma Redband parrotfish.
aurofrenatum.
Sparisoma Redtail parrotfish
chrysopterum.
Sparisoma viride.... Stoplight
parrotfish.
Scarus iseri........ Striped parrotfish.
Snappers--Lutjanidae........ Apsilus dentatus.... Black snapper.
Lutjanus buccanella. Blackfin snapper.
Pristipomoides Cardinal snapper.
macrophthalmus.
Lutjanus cyanopterus Cubera snapper.
Lutjanus jocu....... Dog snapper.
Lutjanus synagris... Lane snapper.
Lutjanus analis..... Mutton snapper.
Etelis oculatus..... Queen snapper.
Lutjanus apodus..... Schoolmaster.
Lutjanus vivanus.... Silk snapper.
Rhomboplites Vermilion snapper.
aurorubens.
Pristipomoides Wenchman.
aquilonaris.
Ocyurus chrysurus... Yellowtail snapper.
Surgeonfishes--Acanthuridae. Acanthurus coeruleus Blue tang.
Acanthurus chirurgus Doctorfish.
Acanthurus tractus.. Ocean surgeonfish.
Triggerfishes--Balistidae... Balistes capriscus.. Gray triggerfish.
Canthidermis Ocean triggerfish.
sufflamen.
Balistes vetula..... Queen triggerfish.
Wrasses--Labridae........... Lachnolaimus maximus Hogfish.
Halichoeres radiatus Puddingwife.
Bodianus rufus...... Spanish hogfish.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
0
3. In Sec. 622.440, revise paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) and
paragraph (b) to read as follows:
Sec. 622.440 Annual catch limits (ACLs), annual catch targets (ACTs),
and accountability measures (AMs).
(a) * * *
(1) Commercial ACLs. The commercial ACLs are as follows and given
in round weight.
Table 1 to Sec. 622.440(a)(1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stock or stock complex and
Family species composition Commercial ACL
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Angelfishes.................. Angelfish--French angelfish, 137 lb (62.1 kg).
gray angelfish, queen
angelfish.
Groupers..................... Grouper 3--coney\1\, graysby 23,890 lb (10,836.3 kg).
Grouper 4--black grouper, 2,492 lb (1,130.3 kg).
red grouper, tiger grouper,
yellowfin grouper,
yellowmouth grouper.
Grouper 5--misty grouper, 15,327 lb (6,952.2 kg).
yellowedge grouper.
Grouper 6--red hind\1\, rock 121,729 lb (55,215.3 kg).
hind.
Grunts....................... Grunts--white grunt......... 177,923 lb (80,704.5 kg).
Jacks........................ Jacks 1--crevalle jack...... 46 lb (20.8 kg).
Jacks 2--African pompano.... 1,052 lb (477.1 kg).
Parrotfishes................. Parrotfish 2--princess 147,774 lb (67,029.1 kg).
parrotfish, queen
parrotfish, redband
parrotfish, redtail
parrotfish, stoplight
parrotfish, striped
parrotfish.
Snappers..................... Snapper 1--black snapper, 424,009 lb (192,327.2 kg).
blackfin snapper, silk
snapper\1\, vermilion
snapper, wenchman.
Snapper 2--cardinal snapper, 257,236 lb (116,680.2 kg).
queen snapper\1\.
Snapper 3--lane snapper..... 244,376 lb (110,847 kg).
Snapper 4--dog snapper, 116,434 lb (52,813.5kg).
mutton snapper\1\,
schoolmaster.
Snapper 5--yellowtail 315,806 lb (143,247.1 kg).
snapper.
Snapper 6--cubera snapper... 119 lb (53.9 kg).
Surgeonfishes................ Surgeonfish--blue tang, 147 lb (66.6 kg).
doctorfish, ocean
surgeonfish.
Triggerfishes................ Triggerfish--gray 83,099 lb (37,693 kg).
triggerfish, ocean
triggerfish, queen
triggerfish\1\.
Wrasses...................... Wrasses 1--hogfish.......... 70,140 lb (31,814.9 kg).
Wrasses 2--puddingwife, 20,126 lb (9,129 kg)
Spanish hogfish.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Indicator stock.
(2) Recreational ACLs. The recreational ACLs are as follows and
given in round weight.
[[Page 63165]]
Table 2 to Sec. 622.440(a)(2)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stock or stock complex and
Family species composition Recreational ACL
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Angelfishes.................. Angelfish--French angelfish, 2,985 lb (1,353.9 kg).
gray angelfish, queen
angelfish.
Groupers..................... Grouper 3--coney\1\, graysby 19,634 lb (8,905.8 kg).
Grouper 4--black grouper, 5,867 lb (2,661.2 kg).
red grouper, tiger grouper,
yellowfin grouper,
yellowmouth grouper.
Grouper 5--misty grouper, 4,225 lb (1,916.4 kg).
yellowedge grouper.
Grouper 6--red hind,\1\ rock 34,493 lb (15,645.7 kg).
hind.
Grunts....................... Grunts--white grunt......... 2,461 lb (1,116.2 kg).
Jacks........................ Jacks 1--crevalle jack...... 41,894 lb (19,002.7 kg).
Jacks 2--African pompano.... 5,719 lb (2,594 kg).
Parrotfishes................. Parrotfish 2--princess 17,052 lb (7,734.6 kg).
parrotfish, queen
parrotfish, redband
parrotfish, redtail
parrotfish, stoplight
parrotfish, striped
parrotfish.
Snappers..................... Snapper 1--black snapper, 111,943 lb (50,776.4 kg).
blackfin snapper, silk
snapper\1\, vermilion
snapper, wenchman.
Snapper 2--cardinal snapper, 24,974 lb (11,328 kg).
queen snapper\1\.
Snapper 3--lane snapper..... 21,603 lb (9,798.9 kg).
Snapper 4--dog snapper, 76,625 lb (34,756.5 kg).
mutton snapper\1\,
schoolmaster.
Snapper 5--yellowtail 23,988 lb (10,880.7 kg).
snapper.
Snapper 6--cubera snapper... 6,448 lb (2,924.7 kg).
Surgeonfishes................ Surgeonfish--blue tang, 860 lb (390 kg).
doctorfish, ocean
surgeonfish.
Triggerfishes................ Triggerfish--gray 7,453 lb (3,380.6 kg).
triggerfish, ocean
triggerfish, queen
triggerfish \1\.
Wrasses...................... Wrasses 1--hogfish.......... 8,263 lb (3,748 kg).
Wrasses 2--puddingwife, 5,372 lb (2,436.6 kg).
Spanish hogfish.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Indicator stock.
(3) Total ACLs. The total ACLs (combined commercial and
recreational ACLs) are as follows and given in round weight.
Table 3 to Sec. 622.440(a)(3)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stock or stock complex and
Family species composition Total ACL
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Angelfishes.................. Angelfish--French angelfish, 3,122 lb (1,416.1 kg).
gray angelfish, queen
angelfish.
Groupers..................... Grouper 3--coney,\1\ graysby 43,524 lb (19,742.1 kg).
Grouper 4--black grouper, 8,359 lb (3,791.5 kg).
red grouper, tiger grouper,
yellowfin grouper,
yellowmouth grouper.
Grouper 5--misty grouper, 19,552 lb (8,868.6 kg).
yellowedge grouper.
Grouper 6--red hind,\1\ rock 156,222 lb (70,861.1 kg).
hind.
Grunts....................... Grunts--white grunt......... 180,384 lb (81,820.8 kg).
Jacks........................ Jacks 1--crevalle jack...... 41,940 lb (19,023.6 kg).
Jacks 2--African pompano.... 6,771 lb (3,071.2 kg).
Parrotfishes................. Parrotfish 2--princess 164,826 lb (74,763.8 kg).
parrotfish, queen
parrotfish, redband
parrotfish, redtail
parrotfish, stoplight
parrotfish, striped
parrotfish.
Snappers..................... Snapper 1--black snapper, 535,952 lb (243,103.7 kg).
blackfin snapper, silk
snapper,\1\ vermilion
snapper, wenchman.
Snapper 2--cardinal snapper, 282,210 lb (128,008.3 kg).
queen snapper \1\.
Snapper 3--lane snapper..... 265,979 lb (120,646 kg).
Snapper 4--dog snapper, 193,059 lb (87,570 kg).
mutton snapper,\1\
schoolmaster.
Snapper 5--yellowtail 339,794 lb (154,127.9 kg).
snapper.
Snapper 6--cubera snapper... 6,567 lb (2,978.7 kg).
Surgeonfishes................ Surgeonfish--blue tang, 1,007 lb (456.7 kg).
doctorfish, ocean
surgeonfish.
Triggerfishes................ Triggerfish--gray 90,552 lb (41,073.6 kg).
triggerfish, ocean
triggerfish, queen
triggerfish \1\.
Wrasses...................... Wrasses 1--hogfish.......... 78,403 lb (35,563 kg).
Wrasses 2--puddingwife, 25,498 lb (11,565.6 kg).
Spanish hogfish.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Indicator stock.
* * * * *
(b) Pelagic fish. The ACLs and ACTs are given in round weight.
Indicator stocks are noted in the relevant tables to paragraph (a) of
this section. For those fishing commercially, the applicable ACL is the
commercial ACL and the applicable ACT is the commercial ACT. For those
fishing recreationally, the applicable ACL is the recreational ACL and
the applicable ACT is the recreational ACT. When landings for one
sector are not available for comparison to that sector's ACL and ACT,
the ACL and ACT for the sector with available landings are the ACL and
ACT for the stock or stock complex.
(1) Barracuda--great barracuda.
(i) Commercial ACL--495 lb (224.5 kg).
(ii) Commercial ACT--445 lb (201.8 kg).
(iii) Recreational ACL--167,693 lb (76,064.2 kg).
(iv) Recreational ACT--150,924 lb (68,457.9 kg).
(2) Dolphinfishes--dolphinfish, pompano dolphinfish. (i) Commercial
ACL--232,173 lb (105,311.9 kg).
(ii) Commercial ACT--208,956 lb (94,780.8 kg).
(iii) Recreational ACL--1,513,873 lb (686,681.2 kg).
(iv) Recreational ACT--1,362,486 lb (618,013.2 kg).
(3) Jacks--rainbow runner.
[[Page 63166]]
(i) Commercial ACL--913 lb (414.1 kg).
(ii) Commercial ACT--822 lb (373 kg).
(iii) Recreational ACL--8,091 lb (3,670 kg).
(iv) Recreational ACT--7,282 lb (3,303 kg).
(4) Mackerels--cero, king mackerel.
(i) Commercial ACL--232,422 lb (105,424.8 kg).
(ii) Commercial ACT--209,180 lb (94,882.4 kg).
(iii) Recreational ACL--129,180 lb (58,595 kg).
(iv) Recreational ACT--116,262 lb (52,735.5 kg).
(5) Tripletail.
(i) Commercial ACL--270 lb (122.4 kg).
(ii) Commercial ACT--243 lb (110.2 kg).
(iii) Recreational ACL--39,005 lb (17,692.3 kg).
(iv) Recreational ACT--35,105 lb (15,923.3 kg).
(6) Tunas--blackfin tuna, little tunny.
(i) Commercial ACL--82,779 lb (37,547.9 kg).
(ii) Commercial ACT--74,501 lb (33,793 kg).
(iii) Recreational ACL--34,485 lb (15,642.1 kg).
(iv) Recreational ACT--31,037 lb (14,078.1 kg).
(7) Wahoo.
(i) Commercial ACL--25,911 lb (11,753 kg).
(ii) Commercial ACT--23,320 lb (10,577.7 kg).
(iii) Recreational ACL--210,737 lb (95,588.6 kg).
(iv) Recreational ACT--189,663 lb (86,029.6 kg).
(8) Pelagic fish AM application. At or near the beginning the
fishing year, landings for each stock, stock complex, or indicator
stock will be evaluated relative to the applicable ACT for the stock or
stock complex based on a moving multi-year average of landings, as
described in the FMP. If NMFS estimates that landings have exceeded the
applicable ACT specified in paragraph (b) of this section for a stock
or stock complex, NMFS in consultation with the Caribbean Fishery
Management Council will determine appropriate corrective action.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2026-20330 Filed 10-2-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on October 5, 2026.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.