🐟Proposed Regulation
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Prohibit Retention of Mobulid Rays in Fisheries for Atlantic Highly Migratory Species
Summary
NMFS is proposing changes to regulations to implement the binding International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) Recommendation 24-12 on mobulid rays of the family Mobulidae, which was adopted in 2024. Specifically, NMFS is proposing to prohibit retention of mobulid rays in fisheries for Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS), to require mobulid rays to be released unharmed in HMS fisheries, and to implement mobulid ray handling practices for vessels fishing with pelagic longline gear.
Agencies
- Commerce Department
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Business Impact
$$ - Med
The proposed regulation to prohibit retention of mobulid rays in Fisheries significantly impacts commercial fishery operations, imposing compliance requirements under the Magnuson-Stevens Act and ICCAT recommendations. Businesses must adapt to new handling and release practices to mitigate bycatch mortality, which may incur additional costs and operational adjustments.