Caribbean Fishery Bulletin Bringing Fishing News to You
FB24-062 FISHERY BULLETIN ISSUE DATE: September 26, 2024 CONTACT: Sarah Stephenson, 727-824-5305, sarah.stephenson@noaa.gov
Seasonal Prohibition on Fishing (Commercial and Recreational) for or Possession of Caribbean Council-Managed Reef Fish in Federal Waters of the Bajo de Sico Management Area What Is Happening and When: NOAA Fisheries reminds fishermen and the public of the annually recurring seasonal prohibition on fishing for or possession of any reef fish managed by the Caribbean Fishery Management Council (Council) in or from those parts of the Bajo de Sico management area that are in federal waters. •
This closure begins on October 1, 2024, and extends through March 31, 2025.
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These regulations only apply in the federal portion of the Bajo de Sico management area located off the west coast of Puerto Rico (Figure 1), which is bisected by the nine nautical mile boundary between Puerto Rico Commonwealth and federal waters.
Why This Closure Is Happening: This seasonal closure protects species when they are spawning (reproducing) and therefore more vulnerable to fishing pressure. Bajo de Sico is a known spawning aggregation area for reef fish. During The Closure: • • •
Fishing and possession prohibitions apply to Council-managed reef fish in or from those parts of the Bajo de Sico management area that are in federal waters. Fishermen are allowed to harvest spiny lobster, Council-managed pelagic fish, and species not managed by the Council, including highly migratory species. Fishing with pots, traps, bottom longlines, gillnets, or trammel nets and anchoring are prohibited yearround in Bajo de Sico federal waters and remain prohibited during the seasonal closure.
For a complete list of Council-managed reef fish, please see Table 3 to Part 622.431. For a complete list of Council-managed pelagic fish, please see Table 1 to Part 622.431. For a complete list of highly migratory species, please see Appendix A to Part 635.