Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of America, and South Atlantic; Puerto Rico Fishery Management Plan; Amendment 4

Summary

NMFS issues regulations to implement Amendment 4 to the Puerto Rico Fishery Management Plan (Puerto Rico FMP), as prepared and submitted by the Caribbean Fishery Management Council (Council). This final rule reclassifies the rainbow runner from a reef fish to a pelagic fish under the Puerto Rico FMP and implements management measures for rainbow runner based on the pelagic fish classification, including sector annual catch targets (ACTs) and accountability measures (AMs). The existing sector-specific annual catch limits (ACLs) for rainbow runner will be retained after the reclassification. The purpose of this final rule and Amendment 4 is to ensure that rainbow runner is managed consistent with its life history characteristics, fishing patterns, and with the Council's management of other pelagic species.