Request for Comments: Proposed Rule to Update Annual Catch Limits for Spiny Lobster in St. Croix and St. Thomas/St. John

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Key Message:

NOAA Fisheries requests your comments on a proposed rule to update management reference points, including annual catch limits, for spiny lobster in St. Croix and in St. Thomas/St. John. The updates are proposed by the Caribbean Fishery Management Council based on scientific information from the recent spiny lobster stock assessments for St. Croix and St. Thomas/St. John.

Comments are due by November 16, 2026

Summary of Proposed Changes:

• The annual catch limit for spiny lobster in St. Croix would increase from 137,254 pounds (lbs) whole weight (ww) to 176,760 lbs ww.

• The annual catch limit for spiny lobster in St. Thomas/St. John would decrease from 133,207 lbs ww to 132,964 lbs ww.

How to Comment on the Proposed Rule:

The comment period is open now through November 16, 2026. You may submit comments by electronic submission. Comments sent by any other method (such as e-mail), to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered by NOAA Fisheries.

Formal Federal Register Name/Number: 91 FR 65711 published October 16, 2026.

Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal.

1. Go to: https://www.regulations.gov/document/NOAA_FRDOC_0001-7708
2. Click "Comment" and complete the required fields.
3. Enter or attach your comments.

Why are we doing this proposed action?

• The Caribbean Council approved Framework Action 4 under the St. Croix Fishery Management Plan and the St. Thomas/St. John Fishery Management Plan, which includes actions to update the overfishing limit, acceptable biological catch, and annual catch limit for spiny lobster under each management plan.
• This action is based on stock assessments for spiny lobster in St. Croix and St. Thomas/St. John (SEDAR 91) that were completed in 2025.
• The updated management reference points, including the proposed annual catch limits, are expected to better protect against overfishing of spiny lobster in relation to the current catch limits, and thus maintain fishing opportunities in future years.
• The proposed annual catch limits are based on an updated understanding of the health of the populations and are expected to ensure that spiny lobster is harvested sustainably.

Where can I find more information on Framework Action 4?

Contact Sarah Stephenson at NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office

263 13th Avenue South

St. Petersburg, Florida 33701-5505

By Phone: (727) 824-5305

Framework Action 4 may be found online at the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office website .

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Quick Glance Contact List for the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office

Other contacts:

Media: Allison Garrett, 727-551-5750

Recreational Fishing Coordinator: Sean Meehan (727) 385-5202