Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Prohibit Retention of Mobulid Rays in Fisheries for Atl
In this final rule, NMFS is changing regulations to implement the binding International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) Recommendation 24-12 on mobulid rays of the family Mobulidae. Specifically, this action prohibits retention of mobulid rays in fisheries for Atlantic highly migratory species
| Agency | Commerce Department, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |
|---|---|
| Document type | Rule |
| Published | 2026-05-20 |
| Summary | In this final rule, NMFS is changing regulations to implement the binding International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) Recommendation 24-12 on mobulid rays of the family Mobulidae. Specifically, this action prohibits retention of mobulid rays in fisheries for Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS), requires mobulid rays to be released unharmed in HMS fisheries, and implements mobulid ray handling practices for vessels fishing with pelagic longline gear. |
| Document number | 2026-10096 |
| Official record | https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/05/20/2026-10096/atlantic-highly-migratory-species-prohibit-retention-of-mobulid-rays-in-fisheries-for-atlantic |