NMFS, designate critical habitat for the threatened Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus) pursuant to section 4 of the ESA. Specific areas designated as critical habitat contain approximately 2,384.67 sq. kilometers (km) (920.73 sq. miles) of aquatic habitat located in waters off the coasts of southeastern Florida, Puerto Rico, Navassa, and the United States Virgin Islands (USVI). They have considered positive and negative economic, national security, and other relevant impacts of the critical habitat designation, as well as all public comments that were received. This rule becomes effective 1 February 2024. POC is Orian Tzadik, NMFS Southeast Region, Orian.Tzadik@noaa.gov, 813–906–0353.
(Federal Register 2 January 2024 [Final] pages 126-176)