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| DOC/NOAA | RIN: 0648-BN53 | Publication ID: Spring 2025 |
| Title: ●Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Prohibition on Retention of Mobulid Rays | |
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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). |
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| 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. | |
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Legal Deadline:
None |
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Timetable:
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| 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 | |
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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 |
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