UPDATES CFMC
MARCH 2026
The Caribbean Fishery Management Council (CFMC) newsletter contains activity announcements, facts on various marine species, and valuable information on fishing and the regulations that govern this activity in federal waters around Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
DESCENDING DEVICE DESCENDING DEVICE
IT 'S OFFICIAL! IT 'S OFFICIAL!
The descending device requirement will be effective from April 1, 2026.
What is required?
It is required that ALL fishers have a descending device ready for use on each fishing vessel when fishing or pin possession of reef fish species managed by the CFMC in federal waters around Puerto Rico, St. Thomas/St. John and St. Croix.
Photo: Raúl O. Ortiz, Burracas / CFMC
Under the proposed regulation, a Under the proposed regulation, a descending device means: descending device means:
An instrument to which is attached a minimum of 16 ounces (1lb; 454 grams) of weight and a length of line that will release the fish at the depth from which the fish was caught or a minimum of 60 feet (18 meters).
The descending device attaches to the fish’s mouth or is a container that will hold the fish (for example, a milk crate with a weight).
The device MUST be capable of releasing the fish automatically by the actions of the operator of the device, or by allowing the fish to escape on its own.
Since minimizing surface time is critical to increase survival, descending devices MUST be readily available for use while engaged in fishing for Council managed reef fish species in federal waters.
MUTTON AND LANE SNAPPER MUTTON AND LANE SNAPPER
SEASONAL CLOSURE SEASONAL CLOSURE
Remember that the mutton and la snapper are subject to a seasonal fishing closure in federal waters starting April 1st of each year. Details are below:
Mutton Snapper | Lutjanus analis
Fishing for mutton snapper is prohibited in federal waters of the U.S. Caribbean and in local waters of the U.S. Virgin Islands from April 1 to June 30.
THE CLOSURE IN LOCAL WATERS OF PUERTO RICO BEGINS ON APRIL THE CLOSURE IN LOCAL WATERS OF PUERTO RICO BEGINS ON APRIL 1 AND ENDS ON MAY 31. 1 AND ENDS ON MAY 31.
Lane Snapper | Lutjanus synagris
Fishing for lane snapper is prohibited in federal waters of the U.S. Caribbean and in local waters of the U.S. Virgin Islands from April 1 to June 30.
THERE IS NO FISHING CLOSURE FOR LANE SNAPPER IN LOCAL WATERS THERE IS NO FISHING CLOSURE FOR LANE SNAPPER IN LOCAL WATERS OF PUERTO RICO. OF PUERTO RICO.
This closure protects the mutton and lane snappers during their spawning periods (reproduction), when they are most vulnerable to fishing pressure.
Do not catch, transport, sell, buy, or consume species during closed seasons. Closed seasons are a tool to protect the present and future of the fisheries.
Writing: Cristina D. Olán Martínez (CFMC) | Design and layout: Rosana López Muñoz (Rosana Studio) | Illustrations: Puerto Rico Sea Grant | Review: María del Mar López-Mercer (NOAA Fisheries/SERO), Miguel Rolón (CFMC), Diana Martino (CFMC) y Jannette Ramos García (Presidenta OEAP)
