Caribbean Fishery Bulletin Bringing Fishing News to You
FB24-063 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 Blackfin, Vermilion, Black, or Silk Snapper in U.S. Caribbean Federal Waters What Is Happening and When: NOAA Fisheries reminds fishermen and the public of the annually recurring seasonal prohibition on fishing for or possession of blackfin, vermilion, black, or silk snapper in U.S. Caribbean federal waters. •
This closure begins on October 1, 2024, and extends through December 31, 2024.
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The prohibition on possession does not apply to blackfin, vermilion, black, or silk snapper harvested and landed ashore prior to the closure.
Federal waters in the U.S. Caribbean consist of those waters extending from the three-nautical mile seaward boundary of the Territory of the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the nine-nautical mile seaward boundary of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, out to 200 nautical miles offshore. Why This Closure Is Happening: This seasonal closure protects blackfin, vermilion, black, and silk snapper when they are spawning (reproducing) and therefore more vulnerable to fishing pressure.