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DOC/NOAA RIN: 0648-BN53 Publication ID: Spring 2025 
Title: ●Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Prohibition on Retention of Mobulid Rays 
Abstract:

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce, is responsible for managing Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS) pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq., and consistent with the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (ATCA), id. 971 et seq ., the implementing statute for binding recommendations of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). NMFS is considering changes to regulations to implement ICCAT Recommendation 24-12, adopted in 2024. Recommendation 24-12 requires that the United States and other ICCAT parties prohibit retaining on board, transhipping, landing or storing any part or whole carcass of all species of mobulid rays (family Mobulidae) as listed in Recommendation 19-01 and taken in the Convention area in association with ICCAT fisheries. Recommendation 19-01 lists the following seven species of mobulid rays: Mobula alfredi , M. birostris (giant manta), M. hypostoma (lesser devil ray), M. japonica , M. mobular (devil fish), M. tarapacana (Chilean devil ray), and M. thurstoni (smoothtail mobula). Further, Recommendation 24-12 requires that vessels promptly release unharmed, to the extent practicable, mobulid rays as soon as they are seen in the net, on the hook, or at the vessel, in a manner that shall result in the least possible harm to the individual. This action is not expected to have an economic impact on HMS fisheries, as these fisheries do not target or retain mobulid rays. In 2022, HMS fisheries across all regions and gear types had ex-vessel revenues of approximately $41.1 million. This action is being taken pursuant to the rulemaking authority under section 971d of ATCA, 16 U.S.C. 971d, and section 305(d) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, 16 U.S.C. 1855(d).

 
Agency: Department of Commerce(DOC)  Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 
RIN Status: First time published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
EO 14192 Designation: Not subject to, not significant 
CFR Citation: 50 CFR 635   
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.    16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  07/00/2025 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: YES  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: Businesses  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: Yes 
Agency Contact:
Kelly Denit
Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries
Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
1315 East-West Highway, Room 13362,
Silver Spring, MD 20901
Phone:301 427-8500
Email: kelly.denit@noaa.gov