Rainbow Runners Get New Rules in the Gulf of America
Published Date: 5/21/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
This update changes how rainbow runner fish are managed around Puerto Rico by moving them from reef fish to pelagic fish rules. Fishermen and fishery managers will follow new catch targets and accountability measures to keep the fish population healthy. Comments on these changes are open until July 20, 2026, so get involved and help shape the future of fishing here!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Rainbow Runner Removed From Reef Rules
Rainbow runner would be moved out of the Puerto Rico "reef fish" category and would no longer be subject to reef-fish rules. That means reef-fish restrictions such as the recreational bag and possession limit (50 CFR 622.444(a)(2)) and the Bajo de Sico seasonal closure (50 CFR 622.439(a)(3)) would not apply to rainbow runner.
New Sector ACTs Set at 90% of ACLs
Amendment 4 would add sector annual catch targets (ACTs) for rainbow runner set at 90% of the sector ACLs. The commercial ACT would be 822 lb (373 kg) and the recreational ACT would be 7,282 lb (3,303 kg).
Pelagic Accountability Measures Replace Reef AMs
Rainbow runner would be moved from the reef-fish AMs to the pelagic-fish AM (50 CFR 622.440(b)(7)). Under the pelagic AM, if landings exceed the applicable ACT, NMFS will consult with the Council to determine corrective actions, which could include seasonal or area closures, commercial trip limits, or recreational bag and possession limits, instead of an automatic season reduction.
ACL Numbers and Allocations Remain Unchanged
Amendment 4 would retain the current sector ACLs for rainbow runner: commercial ACL 913 lb (414.1 kg) and recreational ACL 8,091 lb (3,670 kg), with sector allocations of 10.14% commercial and 89.86% recreational. The total ACL of 9,004 lb (4,084.1 kg) would be removed from the reef-fish table and the sector ACLs would be listed under pelagic fish.
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Key Dates
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