The final rule for greater amberjack management measures for recreational and commercial use is being implemented by NOAA Fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico ( Gulf ). Beginning August 1, 2024, regulations that modify the pleasure fixed closed time take effect. This rule’s another regulations take effect on August 21, 2024.
Summary of Alterations:
The last rule did:
*Revise the new fixed closed season of August 1-31 and November 1-July 31 ( open September 1-October 31 ) to the Gulf Greater Amberjack recreational fixed season from November 1-April 30 and June 1-July 31 ( open August 1-October 31 and May 1-1-31 ).
*Reduce the commercial trip limit from 1, 000 pounds ( lb ) gutted weight ( gw ) with a step down to 250 lb gw when 75 % of the annual catch target is reached to 7 fish (estimate 210 lb gw equivalent ).
*Clarify language regarding the federal mandate vessel/headboat element fishing allowances for the Gulf red snapper.
Recreational Fixed Closed Season Being Implemented
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs )
Why is the fun fixed finished season changing?
Since 2002, Gulf Greater Amberjack has been on a reconstruction strategy.
The most recent Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review ( SEDAR ) population assessment for Gulf greater amberjack, known as the SEDAR 70, showed the stock continued to be overfished and was now subject to overfishing.
Catch limitations had to be significantly reduced in order to satisfy the 2027 deadline for the latest stock rebuilding.
The Gulf’s greater amberjack catch limits, sector allocation, and rebuilding plan were revised with Amendment 54 to the Fishery Management Plan for Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico ( Reef Fish FMP ).
Recreational fishers expressed desire for as much of a fishing season as possible during public comment.
A fun fixed closed time of June 1 through June 31 was established in 2011 and changed to January 1 through June 30 in January 2018. In April 2018, this shut season was eventually changed to November 1 to April 30 and June 1 to July 31 in order to extend the fishing season while the resource is at reduced catch limits, provide access to the resource, and aid in the stock rebuilding. Yet, significant reductions in the capture limits required by Amendment 54’s last law require further adjustments to the fixed closed time to extend the fishing season.
A fishing time of just three days per year is anticipated under the present fixed closed time, which would help fishing to begin on August 1.
The revised fixed closed season, which runs from August 1 through September 31 and runs from November 1 through July 31, will allow for the longest open season (estimated to last two months ) under the significantly reduced catch limits that have recently been eliminated by the final article 54, protect the greater amberjack people during its spawning season, and allow for investment strengthening.
What is the innovative maximum for business trips?
Professional fishermen made the recommendation for as much of a fish period as possible during people comment, noting that ironically caught greater amberjack may be discarded if the season is over.
A commercial trip limit of 2, 000 lb whole weight ( 1, 923 lb gw ) was established in 2013, was reduced to a trip limit of 1, 500 lb gw in 2016, and again to 1, 000 lb gw with a step-down provision to 250 lb gw when 75 percent of the quota is harvested in 2020, with the intent to extend the fishing season under reduced catch limits. To lengthen the fishing season, but, significant reductions in the capture limits required by Amendment 54’s last rule require more reductions in the trip limit.
A fishing season of just two months per year is anticipated under the present commercial trip cap.
The decline in the commercial vacation cap to seven fish is anticipated to prolong the Gulf’s greater amberjack commercial fishing time into June or beyond and also safeguarding the populace during its spawning season and allowing the stock to recover.
Where can I find more details about the Framework Action?
Email NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office
By Mail: Daniel Luers
NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office Sustainable Fisheries Division 263 13th Avenue South St. Petersburg, Florida 33701-5505
By FAX: ( 727 ) 824-5308
By Phone: ( 727 ) 824-5305
