Atlantic HMS Mobulid Ray Retention Prohibition

Current understanding

NMFS has finalized a rule prohibiting the retention of mobulid rays (manta and devil rays) in Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS) fisheries and requiring their release in a manner that maximizes survival. The rule implements ICCAT Recommendation 24-12 and extends existing HMS bycatch management practices. Effect on commercial and recreational HMS fishermen is limited to a release-only handling requirement for incidentally caught mobulids; no direct consumer or food price impact is expected given mobulid rays are not a target commercial species.

Evidence log

• 2026-08-14 — Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Revisions to Fishing Gear Regulations: cross-connection with fisheries-management-atlantic-hms: Both are NOAA Fisheries HMS rulemakings affecting what species HMS fishers may retain and with what gear. (novelty: 2)
• 2026-05-07 — Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; North Atlantic Swordfish, South Atlantic Swordfish, North Atlantic Albacore, and Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Quotas: cross-connection with atlantic-hms-quotas-iccat: Both are NMFS Atlantic HMS rulemakings implementing ICCAT recommendations — one setting quotas for target species, the other prohibiting retention of bycatch species. (novelty: 2)

Open questions

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