NMFS Proposes Rule to Enhance Management of Atlantic Billfish and Swordfish Recreational Fisheries

Summary

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is proposing a rule to implement recommendations from the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) and enhance management programs for Atlantic blue marlin, Atlantic white marlin, west Atlantic sailfish, and North Atlantic swordfish. The proposed rule aims to improve monitoring and conservation of overfished stocks by establishing a mandatory recreational landings reporting system and setting a recreational retention limit for North Atlantic swordfish.