CFMC Updates (April 2023)

CFMC UPDATES

April 2023

In the Caribbean Fishery Management Council (CFMC)'s bulletin you will find announcements, facts about marine species, and valuable information on fishing and regulations that rule this activity in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

POSTERS AVAILABLE THROUGH ISSUU! Find your favorite posters online through ISSUU: Mutton snapper, Nassau grouper, Edible Fishes, Fishes from Puerto Rico and the USVI, among others.

TO READ, SHARE, AND DOWNLOAD THEM, CLICK ON HTTP://BIT.LY/3IQFEVL .

www.caribbeanfmc.com

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CFMC UPDATES

April 2023

FISHER OF THE MONTH A.J. TURBE A.J. Turbe is a young fisherman from St. Thomas. He is 12 years old and has been fishing since he was three years old. He learned from his grandfather and his father. Currently, he fishes with his father in their fishing charters. His favorite catch is yellowfin tuna, but for eating, he prefers wahoo. His favorite fishing implement is the electric reel, and he likes capturing sardines so he can have live bait.

A.J. thinks we can fish while at the same time, protect our marine resources. To him, this is a responsibility we all share.

He asked us all to “stop polluting the ocean and do our part to protect the ocean! Don’t overfish!”

Like many other boys his age, A.J. likes sports. He plays kickball and football. He is also learning to cook at home.

He is currently attending the Addelita Cancryn Junior High School and his favorite subjects are math and science. For A.J., learning is very valuable.

“When you are on the ocean, learn from your mistakes and pay attention in the boat,” he mentioned.

A.J. recognizes that fishing is a lot of hard work, but he wants to continue fishing.

“It’s a part of me!” he affirmed.

Note: The CFMC thanks Nicole Greaux, Fisheries Liaison in St. Thomas/St. John, for the interview with A.J. Turbe and the photos provided.

www.caribbeanfmc.com

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CFMC UPDATES

April 2023

FISHING CLOSURE FOR MUTTON SNAPPER (LUTJANUN ANALIS) Mutton snappers are under seasonal closure in the Caribbean US! Remember the following: Mutton snappers are under seasonal closure from April 1 through June 30 in federal waters around the Caribbean US (PR: 9-200 nautical miles; USVI: 3-200 nautical miles) and in local waters in the USVI (0-3 nautical miles). In Puerto Rico’s local waters (0-9 nautical miles), the closure lasts from April 1 through May 31.

FISHING CLOSURE FOR LANE SNAPPER (LUTJANUS SYNAGRIS) Lane snappers are also under seasonal closure in the Caribbean US! Remember the following: Lane snappers are under seasonal closure from April 1 through June 30 in federal waters in the Caribbean US (PR: 9-200 nautical miles; USVI: 3-200 nautical miles) and in local waters in the USVI (0-3 nautical miles).

In Puerto Rico’s local waters (0-9 nautical miles), this ban is NOT in effect.

To view the fishing closure calendar, visit: https://caribbeanfmc.com/calendars/closed-seasons.

SEASONAL CLOSURES ARE IMPORTANT FOR PROTECTING THE SPECIES DURING THEIR REPRODUCTIVE PERIODS. DO NOT FISH, TRANSPORT, SELL, BUY, OR CONSUME SPECIES UNDER CLOSURE!

FIND US ON:

The illustrations used in this bulletin were provided by Puerto Rico Sea Grant Program.

www.caribbeanfmc.com www.caribbeanfmc.com

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