Environmental Assessment for a Rule to Prohibit Retention of Mobulid Rays in Fisheries for Atlantic Highly Migratory Species

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is proposing changes to regulations to implement the binding International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas Recommendation 24-12 on mobulid rays of the family Mobulidae, which was adopted in 2024. Specifically, NMFS is considering alternatives to: (1) prohibit retention of mobulid rays, and (2) implement handling and release practices. NMFS is taking this action consistent with the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act, section 971d, and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, including section 305(d).