Puerto Rico Fisheries Liaison Officer Report 190th Caribbean Fishery Management Council (CFMC) Regular Meeting Wilson G. Santiago Soler | Fisheries Liaison Officer August 11–12, 2026 • San Juan, Puerto Rico
PUERTO RICO FISHERIES LIAISON REPORT
Executive Summary & Core Initiatives
Educational Distribution Delivered CFMC educational materials and guides to fishing communities across Puerto Rico.
Regulatory Assistance Provided real-time support regarding PR state (DNER) and federal waters regulations.
Descending Device Workshops Organized & executed 'Salvapeje' hands-on release workshops for commercial & recreational fishers.
Inter-Agency Support Assisted NOAA Fisheries anthropologists with fisher interviews across north and east coasts.
Communications & Outreach
Committee Involvement
Maintained weekly WhatsApp broadcast list and hosted educational tables at major fishery events.
Actively participated in MREP Steering Committee and regional workshop planning.
PUERTO RICO FISHERIES LIAISON REPORT
Descending Device Workshops (“Salvapeje”)
COMPLETED WORKSHOPS • Villa Pesquera La Parguera, Lajas
• Vieques Island
UPCOMING WORKSHOP LOCATIONS
• Punta Santiago, Humacao
• Villa Pesquera La Hoare, San Juan
• Palo Seco Fishermen Association
• Club Náutico San Juan
• Villa Pesquera Canóvanas
• Cangrejos Nautical Club
• Guayama Nautical Club • St. Thomas Fishermen’s Game Fishing Club (2 workshops)
PUERTO RICO FISHERIES LIAISON REPORT
Guayama Nautical Club Kids Tournament & Educational Outreach
YOUTH & FAMILY OUTREACH
CFMC EDUCATIONAL TABLE
• Engaged young anglers and families at the Guayama Nautical Club Kids Tournament.
• Distributed specialized outreach publications from the CFMC
• Promoted sustainable recreational fishing practices and conservation ethics early.
• Provided fishery management information and ecosystem guides to attendees.
• Integrated descending device awareness into recreational youth activities.
• Displayed actual descending device samples.
PUERTO RICO FISHERIES LIAISON REPORT
Stakeholder Feedback: Interests & Concerns
CFMC Governance & Advisory Processes Strong stakeholder interest in District Advisory Panels (DAP), Outreach & Education Advisory Panel (OEAP), Scientific & Statistical Committee (SSC), and CFMC decision-making procedures.
Puerto Rico State Fishing Regulations High volume of inquiries regarding state fishing rules, commercial licensing processes, and state permits (attended in coordination with PEPCO).
Federal Marine Regulations Ongoing questions regarding federal waters management measures, species-specific rules (e.g., Wahoo, Mahi-Mahi), and Descending Device mandates.
PUERTO RICO FISHERIES LIAISON REPORT
Strategic Action Items & Next Steps
1. Expand Workshops to North Area
2. Collaborate with DAP Chair
Roll out 'Salvapeje' Descending Device workshops across northern fishing communities.
3. PEPCO Program Continuation
Work closely with DAP Chair Nelson Crespo to develop a structured workshop series as presented to Council.
4. MREP Caribbean Workshop Support
Maintain momentum and active presence in support of the PEPCO program.
Continue supporting planning and recruitment for the upcoming MREP workshop cycle.
5. Informational Table Outreach Participate with CFMC educational booths upon invitation across island fishery events.
THANK YOU / QUESTIONS? Wilson G. Santiago Soler Puerto Rico Fisheries Liaison Officer Caribbean Fishery Management Council (CFMC)
787-344-0956 |
wilson.santiago.cfmc@gmail.com