A Federal Consistency Determination has been submitted to the DNREC Delaware Coastal Management Program (DCMP) for the following: NMFS Proposed Rule to Prohibit Retention of Mobulid Rays (2025.0043)

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is proposing changes to regulations to implement the binding International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas Recommendation 24-12 on mobulid rays of the family Mobulidae. The proposed rule would prohibit retention of mobulid rays in fisheries for Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS), require the rays to be released unharmed in HMS fisheries, and implement ray handling practices for vessels fishing with pelagic longline gear. The proposed activity is subject to review for consistency under the policies of the DNREC DCMP.

Comments concerning this Federal Consistency Determination will be accepted from September 10, 2025, through September 30, 2025. Comments may be sent to: DNREC Coastal Programs, Jesse Hayden, Administrator, 100 W. Water Street, Suite 7B, Dover, DE, 19904, or electronically to DNREC_DCP_PublicComment@delaware.gov. (Please note that there are underscores between DNREC, DCP, and Public). For submission materials and additional information please visit de.gov/dnrecnotices or call (302) 739-9283.

Related Topics:  climate coastal energy, coastal programs, dcmp, federal consistency, Mobulid Rays, permitting and regulation, public notice