International trade · 22/08/2025

NMFS Proposes Changes to Regulate Mobulid Rays in Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is proposing changes to regulations to align with the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) Recommendation 24-12 on mobulid rays, which was adopted in 2024. The proposed changes would prohibit the retention of mobulid rays in fisheries for highly migratory species, require their release unharmed, and implement handling practices for vessels using pelagic longline gear.