CFMC
UPDATES
MAY 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.
OVERVIEW OF FISHING REGULATIONS IN PUERTO RICO FEDERAL WATERS Managing our Fisheries The Caribbean Fishery Management Council (CFMC) and NOAA Fisheries oversee the conservation and management of federal resources within the U.S. Caribbean Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This zone begins 3 nautical miles off the U.S. Virgin Islands and 9 nautical miles off Puerto Rico, extending to the 200-mile offshore boundary.
A Tailored, Island-Based Approach The CFMC has transitioned from broad, U.S. Caribbean-wide management to Island-Based Management Plans (FMPs). By focusing on Puerto Rico, St. Croix, and St. Thomas/St. John individually, we can better manage: Local Stocks: Specific species targeted in each area’s federal waters. Economic Health: Local market demands and the livelihoods of our fishers. Culture & Heritage: The unique social and cultural attributes of each island community.
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