Caribbean Fish Folks: Join the 189th Meeting on Quotas and Rules
Published Date: 4/7/2026
Notice
Summary
The Caribbean Fishery Management Council is holding its 189th meeting on April 21-22, 2026, both in person and online. Fishermen, local businesses, and communities in the Caribbean will hear updates and discuss changes to fishery rules that could affect fishing limits and local economies. This meeting sets the stage for important decisions that could impact how fish are managed and how money flows in the region.
Analyzed Economic Effects
10 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 9 mixed.
Spiny Lobster Reference Points Review
On April 21, 2026 the Council will review and may take final action on Framework Action 4 to the St. Croix and St. Thomas/St. John Fishery Management Plans to revise spiny lobster reference points based on SEDAR 91. If adopted, these reference point changes could lead to changes in fishing limits that affect fishers and local seafood businesses.
Pelagic Stocks Accountability Options
The Council will discuss an options paper titled 'Revision of Accountability Measures for Pelagic Stocks' during the April 21, 2026 meeting. Discussion of accountability measures could lead to future changes in how pelagic catches are monitored or limited, affecting commercial and recreational fishers.
2026 Catch Limit Monitoring Update
On April 22, 2026 the Council will receive '2026 Annual Catch Limit Monitoring Updates.' Those updates relate to how catch limits are tracked and could influence enforcement or management decisions that affect fishing operations.
NMFS Risk/Value Prioritization Update
The agenda includes an 'Update on NMFS' Risk/Value Prioritization Framework for Managed Stocks' and an evaluation of managed stocks' needs for conservation and management. These updates could influence which stocks receive priority for management actions affecting fishing opportunities.
IRA-Funded Projects Update
The April 22, 2026 agenda includes a 'Caribbean IRA-Funded Projects Update' where the Council will receive a status report. Information on IRA-funded projects could affect local project funding, planning, or business opportunities tied to those projects.
Caribbean Aquaculture Workshop Report
The Council will receive the 'Caribbean Marine Aquaculture Workshop 2026 Report' on April 22, 2026. Workshop findings could inform permitting, research, or programs that affect aquaculture businesses in the region.
Red Snapper Aquaculture EFP Notice
The agenda notes a 'Red Snapper Aquaculture Exempted Fishing Permit application submitted to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council by Cultimar Technologies.' The application will be on the Council's agenda on April 22, 2026 and could affect aquaculture permitting and local industry activity if approved.
FADs Permitting and Research Info
The Council will receive information on permitting and research on Fish Aggregation Devices (FADs) on April 22, 2026. Permitting or research outcomes could influence how FADs are used and regulated by fishers and dealers.
Queen Conch Status Review Update
The Council agenda includes an 'Update on Queen Conch Status Review' on April 22, 2026. That status review update could lead to management actions affecting harvest rules for queen conch, with effects for fishers and seafood businesses.
New Seafood App Presentation
On April 22, 2026 (8:15–8:45 a.m. AST) the Council will hear about a new app for fishers, dealers, and consumers of U.S. Caribbean seafood. The presentation could introduce a tool intended for use by industry participants and seafood buyers.
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