Title (Project Name): Public Notice – Proposed Rule to Prohibit Retention of Mobulid Rays in Fisheries for Atlantic Highly Migratory Species
Description: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is proposing changes to regulations to implement a recommendation on mobulid rays. NMFS states that the proposed action would protect mobulid rays and minimize their bycatch and bycatch mortality to the extent practicable. Specifically, the NMFS is proposing changes to prohibit retention of mobulid rays in fisheries for Atlantic highly migratory species, to require mobulid rays to be released unharmed and to implement mobulid ray handling practices for vessels fishing with pelagic longline gear. This action would implement a recommendation from the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas. Per the federal code, NMFS must implement regulations to carry out the recommendations of the commission. The proposed activity is subject to review for consistency with the enforceable policies of the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program.
Public comment period: August 26, 2025 to October 20, 2025
Applicant name and project number: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 25-141F
Facility name and address: Coastal Waters near Virginia
DEQ Contact (for public comments and additional information): Julia Wellman at Julia.Wellman@deq.virginia.gov
DEQ accepts comments from the public by e-mail or postal mail. All comments must include the name, address and telephone number of the person commenting and be received by DEQ within the comment period. The public may review the project documents at DEQ’s central office in Richmond.
Office of Environmental Impact Review
1111 East Main Street, Suite 1400
Richmond, Virginia, 23219
