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DOC/NOAA RIN: 0648-AY05 Publication ID: Fall 2009 
Title: ●Regulatory Amendment to the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for the Reef Fish Fishery of Puerto Rico Modifying the Bajo de Sico Seasonal Closure 
Abstract: The rule would modify the seasonal closure of Bajo de Sico, an area off the west coast of Puerto Rico that has been identified as critically important habitat for commercially exploited snappers and groupers. Current regulations prohibit all fishing activities, including Highly Migratory Species (HMS) from December 1 through the end of February each year as well as a year-round prohibition of bottom tending gear (i.e., traps, pots, gillnets, trammel nets, and bottom longlines). The rule would prohibit fishing for and possession of council managed species, including reef fish and spiny lobster from October 1 through March 31. Queen Conch and coral reef resources are already prohibited year-round and will not be affected by this rule. Restrictions on bottom-tending gear will also not be affected by this rule. A year-round prohibition of anchoring within Bajo de Sico will also be implemented through this rule to provide further protection of established essential fish habitat. 
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 
CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622   
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  12/00/2009    
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: No  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Roy Crabtree
Regional Administrator, Southeast Region
Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Marine Fisheries Service, 263 Thirteenth Avenue South,
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone:727 570-5305
Fax:727 570-5583
Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov