Guam Bottomfish Annual Catch Limit and Accountability Measures

NOAA Fisheries announces modifications to the annual catch limit (ACL) and accountability measures (AM) for Mariana bottomfish management unit species in Guam.

These modifications:

• Increase the ACL from 31,000 pounds (14,061 kilograms) to 34,500 lb (15,649 kg)
• Replace the in-season AM with a post-season overage adjustment if average catch from the most recent 3 years exceeds the ACL
• Remove the higher performance standard that closes the fishery in federal waters for any overage

This action is based on the best available scientific, commercial, and other information, and supports the successful, ongoing rebuilding of the fishery.

Stock Status

NOAA Fisheries determined the Guam bottomfish fishery was overfished but not subject to overfishing in 2020, and the fishery has been under a rebuilding plan since 2022. In 2024, our stock assessment update showed the stock was no longer overfished, but had not yet rebuilt. We have determined the stock is making adequate progress towards rebuilding and can support the modifications while still meeting the 2031 rebuilding target.

Read the Federal Register notice and supporting documentation