Fishermen Must Release Manta Rays Under New Atlantic Rules
Published Date: 8/22/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
Starting soon, fishermen targeting Atlantic big fish won’t be allowed to keep mobulid rays, like manta rays and devil rays, on their boats. They must safely release these rays if caught, following new handling rules to keep them safe. This change helps protect these cool sea creatures and follows an important international agreement from 2024.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Keeping Mobulid Rays Is Prohibited
Fishermen in Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS) fisheries will not be allowed to keep mobulid rays (the family Mobulidae, including manta rays and devil rays) on board. This change implements the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) Recommendation 24-12 adopted in 2024.
Must Release Mobulid Rays Unharmed
Vessels fishing in Atlantic HMS fisheries must release any mobulid rays they catch and do so in a way that leaves the rays unharmed. The proposal requires safe release practices as part of these fisheries' rules.
New Handling Rules for Pelagic Longline Gear
The rule would require vessels using pelagic longline gear in HMS fisheries to follow specified mobulid ray handling practices. Those vessels must implement these handling measures to help release mobulid rays unharmed.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in