Final Rule to Modify Annual Catch Limits for Queen Triggerfish in Federal Waters around St. Croix and St. Thomas/St. John

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Key Message:

NOAA Fisheries announces the final rule for Framework Action 3 under the St. Croix Fishery Management Plan and the St. Thomas/St. John Fishery Management Plan. The final rule will update management reference points, including annual catch limits, used to ensure the sustainable harvest of the queen triggerfish population around each island area. The updates are based on scientific information from the recent queen triggerfish stock assessments for St. Croix and St. Thomas/St. John.

When Rule Will Take Effect:

Regulations will become effective April 17, 2026.

What This Means:

• The annual catch limit for queen triggerfish in St. Croix will decrease from 21,450 pounds (lbs) whole weight (ww) to 18,808 lbs ww.
• The annual catch limit for queen triggerfish in St. Thomas/St. John will decrease from 97,670 lbs ww to 92,919 lbs ww.

Formal Federal Register Name/Number: 91 FR 12930, published March 18, 2026.

Why are the catch limits being revised?

• Framework Action 3 under the St. Croix Management Plan and the St. Thomas/St. John Fishery Management Plan includes an action to update the overfishing limit, acceptable biological catch, and annual catch limit for queen triggerfish under each management plan.
• This action is based on stock assessments for queen triggerfish in St. Croix and St. Thomas/St. John that were completed in 2024.
• The updated management reference points, including the annual catch limits, are expected to better protect against overfishing of queen triggerfish.
• The new annual catch limits are based on an updated understanding of the health of the populations and are expected to ensure that queen triggerfish is harvested sustainably.

Where can I find more information on Framework Action 3?

• Contact NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office

By Mail: Sarah Stephenson

NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office

263 13th Avenue South

St. Petersburg, Florida 33701-5505

By FAX: (727) 824-5308

By Phone: (727) 824-5305

• Framework Action 3 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

Permits Mailbox: The Permits Office in St. Petersburg, Florida now has a Permits mailbox in the front lobby (263 13th Ave. South, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701). You can now drop off original permits for permit transfers. Envelopes with information labels will be provided so that your documents can be attached to the correct application. The mailbox will be checked daily. For more information, contact the Permits Office at 877-376-4877.

Other contacts:

Media: Allison Garrett, 727-551-5750

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