Caribbean Fishery Bulletin
Bringing Fishing News to You
FB24-025 Fishery Bulletin Issue Date: April 30, 2024 Contact: Sarah Stephenson, sarah.stephenson@noaa.gov or Maria Lopez-Mercer maria.lopez@noaa.gov, 727-824-5305
Final Rule to Modify Annual Catch Limits for Spiny Lobster in U.S. Caribbean Federal Waters Key Message: NOAA Fisheries announces the implementation of the final rule for a framework action under each of the Puerto Rico, St. Croix, and St. Thomas and St. John Fishery Management Plans to update management reference points, including annual catch limits, for the spiny lobster. These changes are based on an update to the 2019 spiny lobster population assessments. When the Rule Will Take Effect: Regulations become effective May 30, 2024. What This Means: The final rule will modify management reference points to reflect newer scientific information available from the spiny lobster stock assessments. The rule will: • • •
Decrease the Puerto Rico annual catch limit for spiny lobster from 366,965 pounds to 357,629 pounds. Increase the St. Croix annual catch limit for spiny lobster from 120,830 pounds to 137,254 pounds. Increase the St. Thomas and St. John annual catch limit for spiny lobster from 126,089 pounds to 133,207 pounds.
Formal Federal Register Name/Number: 89 FR 34168, published April 30, 2024