The Caribbean Fishery Management Council (CFMC) will hold its 190th public hybrid meeting on August 11 and 12, 2026. This significant gathering in Carolina, Puerto Rico, with virtual attendance options, aims to address a comprehensive agenda vital for the sustainable management of federal fisheries in the Caribbean. The meeting serves as a critical forum for policymakers, scientists, and stakeholders to review current management strategies and shape future conservation efforts across the U.S. Caribbean territories.
Unpacking Key Management Plans and Scientific Assessments
A substantial portion of the meeting will focus on the ongoing development and amendment of Fishery Management Plans (FMPs). Maria Lopez-Mercer from NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office will provide updates on FMP amendments, actions, and priorities for 2026. These plans are foundational documents that guide the regulation of fishing activities to prevent overfishing, rebuild overfished stocks, and ensure healthy marine ecosystems. The Council's Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) will present its report, with a particular focus on the Southeast Data Assessment and Review (SEDAR) 91 for Puerto Rico Spiny Lobster. This assessment is crucial for understanding the health and population dynamics of this economically important species.
Following the SSC's recommendations based on SEDAR 91, the Council plans a dedicated discussion on actions to include in an amendment to the Puerto Rico Fishery Management Plan for Spiny Lobster. This indicates a proactive approach to adjust management measures in response to the latest scientific data. Additionally, the terms of reference for SEDAR 103 will be discussed, outlining the scope and objectives for future stock assessments. Kevin McCarthy of the Caribbean Fisheries Branch, NOAA Fisheries Southeast Fishery Science Center, will provide broader updates from the Center, offering a scientific foundation for many of the Council's decisions.
Addressing Executive Order 14276 and Conservation Needs
A critical agenda item involves the NOAA Fisheries Response to the CFMC on Executive Order 14276. This Executive Order, attributed to President Trump, likely pertains to federal policies aimed at promoting American fisheries or safeguarding the ocean environment. The Council's discussion will analyze how NOAA Fisheries has interpreted and responded to the directives of this order, and its implications for regional fishery management. Such responses often involve evaluating existing regulations, identifying areas for reform, or proposing new initiatives to align with presidential directives.
Furthermore, Sarah Stephenson from NOAA Fisheries, SERO, will present an options paper for the evaluation of managed stocks in need of conservation and management. This session will explore potential strategies and regulatory tools to protect vulnerable fish populations, ensuring their long-term viability and the sustainability of the fisheries they support. These evaluations are essential for identifying species that require immediate attention and for developing targeted conservation measures.
Regional Issues and Emerging Policy Discussions
The meeting will delve into several region-specific management challenges and new policy considerations. An overview of a proposed action to review the Grouper Unit 4 seasonal closure in St. Thomas, USVI, will be presented by Maria Lopez-Mercer. This review suggests an ongoing adaptive management approach, where specific closures are re-evaluated based on effectiveness and current conditions. Such discussions highlight the nuanced nature of regional fisheries management, often requiring adjustments to localized rules.
Beyond traditional management, the Council will receive an update on Caribbean Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Funded Projects from Martha Prada, CFMC IRA Coordinator. This will shed light on how federal funding from the IRA is being channeled into conservation or sustainable development initiatives within the Caribbean. Another noteworthy topic is the information on permitting and research on Fish Aggregation Devices (FADs), with Wessley Merteen from Beyond Our Shores sharing experiences from Puerto Rico. FADs are increasingly used in fisheries, and understanding their ecological impacts and regulatory needs is crucial.
Operational Updates and Future Directions
Operational aspects and outreach efforts are also on the agenda. Reports from the Outreach and Education Advisory Panel (OEAP), CFMC social networks, and Liaison Officers from St. Thomas/St. John, Puerto Rico, and St. Croix will provide insights into communication strategies and local engagement. District Advisory Panels from these same regions will also present their reports, offering ground-level perspectives from fishing communities. The meeting will conclude with an updated list of Fishery Management Plans Amendments, Actions and Priorities for 2026-2027, setting the stage for the Council's work in the coming year. Discussions on enforcement reports from various agencies, including the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources and the U.S. Coast Guard, underscore the importance of compliance and surveillance in maintaining sustainable fisheries. Finally, the CFMC Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy will be considered, a forward-looking step indicating the Council's engagement with emerging technologies to enhance its management capabilities.
