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DOC/NOAA RIN: 0648-AY05 Publication ID: Spring 2011 
Title: Regulatory Amendment to the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Fishery of Puerto Rico Modifying the Bajo de Sico Seasonal Closure 
Abstract: This rule modifies 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 for Highly Migratory Species (HMS), from December 1 through the end of February each year, as well as impose a year-round prohibition of bottom tending gear (i.e., traps, pots, gillnets, trammel nets, and bottom longlines). This action prohibits fishing for and possession of council managed reef fish species 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: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Completed Actions 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 50 CFR 622   
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1801   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  07/28/2010  75 FR 44209   
NPRM Comment Period End  08/27/2010    
Final Action   11/02/2010  75 FR 67247   
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:
Roy E. Crabtree
Regional Administrator, Southeast Region
Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
263 13th Avenue South,
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone:727 824-5305
Fax:727 824-5308
Email: roy.crabtree@noaa.gov