Puerto Rico Moves Rainbow Runners to New Category
Published Date: 7/8/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The new rule changes how rainbow runner fish are managed in Puerto Rico’s waters by moving them from reef fish to pelagic fish status. This means new catch limits and rules will apply to keep fishing fair and sustainable. Fishermen and seafood businesses should get ready to follow these updates starting after the comment period ends on August 7, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
New sector ACTs and ACL treatment
The rule keeps the commercial ACL for rainbow runner at 913 lb (414.1 kg) and the recreational ACL at 8,091 lb (3,670 kg), removes the total ACL of 9,004 lb (4,084.1 kg) from reef-fish tables, and establishes sector annual catch targets (ACTs) at 90% of each sector ACL. The commercial ACT is set at 822 lb (373 kg) and the recreational ACT at 7,282 lb (3,303 kg).
Bajo de Sico seasonal closure removed
The rule moves rainbow runner from 'reef fish' to 'pelagic fish,' so reef-fish rules no longer apply. That means protections that applied to reef fish — including the current prohibition on fishing for and possessing rainbow runner in Bajo de Sico from October 1 through March 31 — would not apply to rainbow runner after reclassification.
Adaptive AMs replace automatic season cuts
Instead of the reef-fish automatic season-length reduction when a sector exceeds its ACL, rainbow runner would be managed under pelagic fish accountability measures. If landings exceed the applicable ACT, NMFS will consult with the Caribbean Fishery Management Council and may adopt adaptive corrective actions such as seasonal or area closures, trip limits, or bag limits.
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Key Dates
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