On October 17, 2022, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Marine Fisheries Service published a proposed rule to designate critical habitat for the Nassau grouper. The area under consideration encompasses aquatic habitat located off the coasts of southeastern Florida, Puerto Rico, Navassa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Designating these areas as critical habitat would extend protections to the species either by prohibiting certain activities within these areas or requiring those engaging in certain activities to obtain a special permit.
Written comments are due by December 16, 2022.
Advocacy contact: Send an email to Prianka Sharma at Prianka.Sharma@sba.gov or call (202) 205-6938.