25 Jun 2025

🎣New Regulations on Dolphinfish and Wahoo for U.S. Caribbean Waters

Fishery Management Plans of Puerto Rico, St. Croix, and St. Thomas and St. John; Amendment 3

Summary

NMFS issues regulations to implement management measures described in Amendment 3 to the Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) for Puerto Rico, St. Croix, and St. Thomas and St. John (Amendment 3), as prepared by the Caribbean Fishery Management Council (Council). This final rule establishes new management measures for dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) and wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri) in U.S. Caribbean Federal waters, including commercial and recreational minimum size limits and recreational bag and possession limits. The purpose of the management measures contained in this final rule and Amendment 3 is to ensure dolphinfish and wahoo have adequate time to mature and reproduce and to help protect against overfishing.

Agencies

  • Commerce Department
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Business Impact ?

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The regulations require compliance by fishing businesses regarding minimum size limits and recreational bag limits for dolphinfish and wahoo. Businesses must adapt to these requirements to avoid penalties and ensure sustainable practices, indicating potential operational changes and impact on revenue.

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