NOAA Fisheries agrees to tighten restrictions on Greater Amberjack fishing

Commercial and recreational fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico will be allowed fewer amberjack beginning next year.

NOAA Fisheries has approved changes to greater amberjack management measures in the Gulf of Mexico that includes lowering the total annual catch limit from 1.78 million pounds to 1.72 million pounds.

The commercial annual catch limit will be set at about 465 thousand pounds and the commercial trip limit will fall from 2,000 pounds whole weight to 1,500 pounds gutted weight.

The recreational annual catch limit will be set at 1.25 million pounds and the recreational size limit will increase from 30 inches fork length to 34 inches fork length. 

The new rules take effect on January 4^th. 

They are being implemented to end overfishing and rebuild the Gulf of Mexico greater amberjack fishery. 

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