CARIBBEAN FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL
(787) 766-5926
www.caribbeanfmc.com
July 21, 2026
Dr. Andrew J. Strelcheck
Regional Administrator
NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Region 263 13th Avenue South St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Dear Dr. Strelcheck:
Attached you will find a digital copy of Framework Action 4 under the St. Croix and St. Thomas and St. John Fishery Management Plans: Modification of Spiny Lobster Management Reference Points Based on SEDAR 91 Stock Assessments (Framework Action 4). This action updates the status determination criteria and other management reference points for the spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) in federal waters around the U.S. Virgin Islands.
At the 189th Caribbean Fishery Management Council meeting in April 2026, the Council approved Framework Action 4 for submission to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
The council selected Action 1, Alternative 3 as the preferred: Update the St. Croix spiny lobster OFL and ABC values and set the ACL equal to 95% of the recommended ABC (186,063 lbs). The ACL would equal 176,760 lbs. The council selected Action 1, Alternative 2 as the preferred: Update the St. Thomas/St. John spiny lobster OFL and ABC values and set the ACL equal to the recommended ABC (132,964 lbs). The ACL would equal 132,964lbs.
The Council recognized that some editorial revisions might be needed following review by NOAA Fisheriesstaffandour General Counsel advisor.Theseeditorial,non-substantivechangestotheFramework Action 4 were made and incorporated in the document attached. The Council also authorized the Chair to deem any modifications made to the proposed rule and regulations as necessary and appropriate for implementing Framework Action 4.
I have accepted those changes and modifications and authorize submission of Framework Action 4 for Secretarial review and implementation.
Sincerely,
Carlos Farchette CFMC Chair
c: Miguel A. Rolón