Caribbean Corals and Reef Associated Plants and Invertebrates Fishery Management Plan

The Corals and Reef Associated Plants and Invertebrates Fishery Management Plan of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands managed coral reef resources, including a vast array of coral and sponge species, plants, and invertebrates that provide habitats that are essential to the growth, development, and survival of managed finfish and other marine organisms.

Managed resources included species of Coelenterates, Sponges, Annelid Worms, Mollusks, Arthropods, Echinoderms, and Chordates in the waters off of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

In 2022, management of federal fisheries in the U.S. Caribbean transitioned from four U.S. Caribbean-wide fishery management plans to three island-based plans: the Puerto Rico Fishery Management Plan, the St. Thomas and St. John Fishery Management Plan, and the St. Croix Fishery Management Plan. The new island-based plans include select fishery management measures included in the Corals and Reef Associated Plants and Invertebrates Fishery Management Plan that are applicable to the management area for each island or island group.

To reach Sustainable Fisheries staff, please call 727-824-5305.