SOUTHEAST FISHERY BULLETIN
(Gulf of Mexico)

FB16-050

Rich Malinowski
727-824-5305

July 21, 2016

Gulf of Mexico Recreational Greater Amberjack
Federal Fishing Season Will Remain Closed
Through December 31, 2016

NOAA projects the Gulf of Mexico greater amberjack recreational fishery exceeded its allowable harvest. Therefore, the recreational fishing season will not reopen as scheduled on August 1, 2016, and will remain closed until December 31, 2016. The recreational season will reopen on January 1, 2017.

NOAA reminds fishermen that greater amberjack state water regulations may differ from federal water regulations. It is important for fishermen to check the applicable state regulations to determine whether harvest is allowed in state waters.

During the closure:
Recreational harvest or possession of greater amberjack is prohibited in federal waters.
The closure applies in both state and federal waters for vessels that have a valid Gulf of Mexico reef fish charter/headboat permit.
This closure is necessary to protect the greater amberjack resource. The greater amberjack population is considered overfished (the population is too low) and limiting harvest is necessary for the population to recover.

NOAA Fisheries Southeast is pleased to announce the introduction of our Text Message Alert Program. The program will allow you to sign up to receive important fishery related alerts via text message. Text alerts you may receive include immediate fishery openings and closures, and any significant changes to fishing regulations that happen quickly.

How to opt-in
Sign up for related alerts for one or more of the following groups. Standard message & data rates may apply. You may opt-out at any time.
Gulf of Mexico Recreational Fisheries: Text GULFrecFISH to 888777
Gulf of Mexico Commercial Fisheries: Text GULFcommFISH to 888777
South Atlantic Recreational Fisheries: Text SATLrecFISH to 888777
South Atlantic Commercial Fisheries: Text SATLcommFISH to 888777
Caribbean Fisheries: Text CARIBFISH to 888777

About Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is one of eight regional Fishery Management Councils established by the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976. The Council prepares fishery management plans, which are designed to manage fishery resources within the 200-mile limit of the Gulf of Mexico.