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Proposed RuleOpen for Comment2026-138082026-07-08

Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of America, and South Atlantic; Puerto Rico Fishery Management Plan; Amendment 4

Commerce Department, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Abstract

NMFS proposes 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). The proposed rule would reclassify rainbow runner from a reef fish to a pelagic fish under the Puerto Rico FMP. The proposed rule would implement management measures for rainbow runner based on the pelagic fish classification, including sector annual catch targets (ACTs) and accountability measures (AMs). The sector-specific annual catch limits (ACLs) would be retained after the reclassification. The purpose of this proposed 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.

Action & Dates

Action
Proposed rule; request for comments.
Dates
Written comments must be received by August 7, 2026.

CFR References

Topics

FisheriesFishingPuerto Rico

Public Comment

Comments Close
2026-08-07 — Open for comment

Document Excerpt

Document Headings Document headings vary by document type but may contain the following: the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to the agency docket number / agency internal file number the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions See the Document Drafting Handbook for more details. Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 622 [Docket No. 260706-0162] RIN 0648-BN67 AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments. SUMMARY: NMFS proposes 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). The proposed rule would reclassify rainbow runner from a reef fish to a pelagic fish under the Puerto Rico FMP. The proposed rule would implement management measures for rainbow runner based on the pelagic fish classification, including sector annual catch targets (ACTs) and accountability measures (AMs). The sector-specific annual catch limits (ACLs) would be retained after the reclassification. The purpose of this proposed 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: Written comments must be received by August 7, 2026. ADDRESSES: A plain language summary of this proposed rule is available at https://www.regulations.gov/​docket/​NOAA-NMFS-2025-0471 . You may submit comments on the proposed rule, identified by “NOAA-NMFS-2025-0471,” by either of the following methods: Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public

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Full Document

Citation: 91 FR 42158