Comments Requested: Proposed Rule to Prohibit Retention of Mobulid Rays in Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fisheries

NOAA Fisheries requests comments on a proposed rule to prohibit retention of mobulid rays in Atlantic highly migratory species fisheries.

What it will do

• Prohibit retention of mobulid rays in Atlantic highly migratory species fisheries
• Require mobulid rays to be released unharmed in Atlantic highly migratory species
• Implement mobulid ray handling practices for vessels fishing with pelagic longline gear

Who is affected

• Anyone with a commercial or recreational fishing permit for highly migratory species in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf of America and Caribbean Sea
• Any dealer who buys or sells highly migratory species in these areas
• Researchers holding exempted fishing permits or related permits and operating on vessels with fishing permits for highly migratory species

Comments

NOAA Fisheries will accept public comments from August 22 to September 22, 2025.

Public Hearing Webinar

During the public comment period, NOAA Fisheries will hold one public hearing via webinar on September 18, 2025, 1 - 3 p.m. ET.

Click to join the webinar

Webinar number:
2819 821 8938

Webinar password:
3GPqMz (347769 when dialing from a phone or video system)

Join by phone
+1-415-527-5035

Access code:
281 982 18938