CFMC Updates | August 2025

UPDATES CFMC

AUGUST 2025

The Caribbean Fishery Management Council (CFMC) newsletter contains activity announcements, facts on various marine species, and valuable information on fishing and the regulations that govern this activity in federal waters around Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

MARINE RESOURCE MARINE RESOURCE EDUCATION EDUCATION PROGRAM IN PUERTO RICO PROGRAM IN PUERTO RICO

From June 11-14, 2025, the Marine Resource Education Program (MREP) workshop was held in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. This program is a neutral platform where commercial and recreational fishers can learn practical aspects of fisheries science and management, share different perspectives and tools for effective participation, and connect with key people in management, science, and the broader fishing community. Laboratory activities, talks, lectures, exhibits, discussions, and group dynamics are part of the workshop offerings.

MREP is conducted throughout the United States in six different regions: Greater Atlantic, Southeast, North Pacific, Western Pacific, East Coast, and Caribbean. In each region, MREP seeks to empower fishing communities to increase their participation in fisheries management and decision-making processes. Puerto Rico is part of the Caribbean region.

MREP IS HELD ANNUALLY. INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN AN UPCOMING WORKSHOP?

Visit https://mrep.gmri.org/ and apply today. Stay tuned to CFMC's social media networks.

NELSON CRESPO NELSON CRESPO AT MREP-PR AT MREP-PR

We had a conversation with Nelson Crespo, MREP-PR Steering Committee member. We wanted to learn more about his experience in MREP and he shared the following expressions:

At MREP, I talk about fisherie how participants can make eff contributions to those goals. However, this program is much more than workshops

on management, regulations, or science. The richness of this educational program lies in all the participants, in sharing different perspectives from people with the same goal: achieving a balance between fishing and the conservation of our resources. It's wonderful to see how we can share and talk informally with fishers, scientists, law enforcement officers, and many others, all together without pressure, and learn so much, including things we didn't know before. Also, for me, it's a talent pool where we can encourage and identify people who could follow in the footsteps of many of us who are committed to tge sustainability of our fisheries and our resources.

About Nelson Crespo

Nelson Crespo is a commercial fisher from the area of Rincón, PR, a member of the Legal Fishing Association, Inc. and the Puerto Rico District Advisory Panel Chair at the CFMC. Together with Wilson Santiago Soler, Puerto Rico Fisheries Liaison Officer, has served as an instructor at the Salvapeje workshops, where he explains how to make a descending device at home and the different ways and materials to build it.

Species Under Fishing Prohibition in the U.S.

Species Under Fishing Prohibition in the U.S.

Caribbean Federal Waters All Year-Round

Caribbean Federal Waters All Year-Round

Remember that fishing for the following species is prohibited all-year round in the U.S. Caribbean federal waters. Keep in mind that regulations in federal waters are not always the same as in local waters.

Fishing for this species is prohibited all-year round in the U.S. Caribbean federal and territorial waters.

Fishing for this species is prohibited all-year round in the U.S.Caribbean federal waters. There are no fishing prohibitions for this species in the territorial waters of Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Fishing for queen conch is prohibited all-year round in the U.S. Caribbean federal waters and in federal waters west of 64°34'W off St. Croix. In local waters of St. Thomas/St. John, fishing for queen conch is closed from June 1 to October 31. In local waters of Puerto Rico, fishing for queen conch is closed from August 1 to October 31.

Conch | Aliger gigas