Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; Red Hind Spawning Aggregations

Résumé

NMFS issues this proposed rule to implement a regulatory amendment prepared by the Caribbean Fishery Management Council (Council) in accordance with framework procedures for adjusting management measures of the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Fishery of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (FMP). In the Caribbean exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off western Puerto Rico, the regulatory amendment would adjust the boundary of the existing red hind spawning aggregation seasonal/area closure and add two additional red hind spawning aggregation seasonal/area closures. The intended effect is to protect red hind spawning aggregations by prohibiting fishing in these areas during the spawning season.