Generic Framework Amendment to the Fishery Management Plans for Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and St. John, and St. Croix: Modification of Spiny Lobster Management Reference Points Based on SEDAR 57 Stock Assessments

The Framework Amendment updates management reference points for spiny lobster under the Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and St. John, and St. Croix Fishery Management Plans based on best scientific information available from the SEDAR 57 spiny lobster stock assessments and application of the Caribbean Fishery Management Council’s Acceptable Biological Catch Control Rule included in each FMP. The Framework Amendment would also revise the trigger for accountability measures for spiny lobster under each FMP.

Due to delays in the implementation of the Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and St. John, and St. Croix FMPs, the proposed rule for the Framework Amendment would only include ACLs for years 2023 and 2024 and later.

There are no known potential significant impacts or issues.