Commerce Department, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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.
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. 260930-0011] RIN 0648-BN67 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 https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/​action/​amendment-4-puerto-rico-fishery-management-plan-reclassification-rainbow-runner-pelagic…
Citation: 91 FR 63160
