Proposed Rule to Implement 2024-2026 Catch Limits and Accountability Measures for American Samoa Bottomfish
Summary
NOAA Fisheries announces a proposed rule to implement Amendment 7 to the American Samoa Fishery Ecosystem Plan (FEP). Amendment 7 and this proposed rule would:
- Discontinue the rebuilding plan for American Samoa bottomfish management unit species (BMUS)
- Implement new single-species annual catch limits (ACLs) and accountability measures (AMs) for American Samoa bottomfish for the 2024, 2025, and 2026 fishing years
- Establish indicator species for E. carbunculus (Palu-malau) and P. filamentosus (Palu-ena ena)
The action is necessary because new best scientific information indicates the fishery is not overfished or experiencing overfishing, and new ACLs and AMs are warranted. This proposed rule considers the best available scientific, commercial, and other information about the fishery, and would support the long-term sustainability of the fishery.
Catch Limits and Accountability Measures
The proposed annual catch limits are:
Species | Samoan name | Proposed ACL (lb) |
Aphareus rutilans | Palu-gutusiliva | 8,554 |
Aprion virescens | Asoama | 4,872 |
Caranx lugubris | Tafauli | 3,086 |
Etelis coruscans | Palu-loa | 4,872 |
Lethrinus rubrioperculatus | Filoa-paomumu | 8,554 |
Lutjanus kasmira | Savane | 16,645 |
Pristipomoides flavipinnis | Palu-sina | 2,579 |
Pristipomoides zonatus | Palu-ula | 1,521 |
Variola louti | Velo | 2,205 |
As an AM, if the average catch of any species in the most recent three years exceeds its specified ACL, NOAA Fisheries would make an overage adjustment in a separate rulemaking to reduce the ACL for that species for the subsequent year by the amount of the overage. All ACLs for species for which the three most recent years of catch did not exceed the ACL would remain unchanged.
Indicator Species
Finally, the proposed action would establish indicator species for two BMUS that were unassessed in the 2023 stock assessment. Etelis coruscans would be an indicator species for E. carbunculus (Palu-malau) and Pristipomoides flavipinnis would be an indicator species for P. filamentosus (Palu-ena ena). Separate ACLs and AMs would not be implemented for E. carbunculus and P. filamentosus. Instead, they would be subject to the post-season AM based on monitoring of catch of the indicator species.
NOAA Fisheries welcomes comments on the proposed rule through October 4, 2024.
Read the Federal Register notice and supporting documents >