Modifications to the Gulf of Mexico Greater Amberjack Recreational Fishing year and Fixed Closed Season

The following notice from NOAA Fisheries is provided as a courtesy to our subscribers.  FB18-021                                     FISHERY BULLETIN ISSUE DATE: March 28, 2018 CONTACT:Kelli O'Donnell, 727-824-5305,kelli.odonnell@noaa.gov  Modifications to the Gulf of Mexico Greater Amberjack Recreational Fishing year and Fixed Closed Season KEY MESSAGE: NOAA Fisheries announces a final rule modifying the greater amberjack recreational fishing year and fixed closed season in the Gulf of Mexico.  Recreational fishing for greater amberjack will be open May 1-31, 2018.         WHEN THIS RULE WILL TAKE EFFECT: Regulations will be effective April 30, 2018. WHAT THIS MEANS: The greater amberjack recreational fishing year will be August 1 through July 31 (see table below). The greater amberjack recreational fixed closed season will be November 1 through April 30 and June 1 through July 31.  Recreational fishing will be open August through October and in May.  Therefore, the greater amberjack recreational sector will open on May 1, 2018. Fishing Year and Fixed Closed Seasons  FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) Why is the recreational fishing year changing? The change in fishing year is expected to improve recreational fishermen's access to greater amberjack. It is expected to provide an opportunity to harvest this species when other targeted reef fish species are prohibited from harvest (i.e. fall opening). Why is the recreational fixed closed season changing? The recreational fixed closed season was January 1 through June 30. The intent of this closure for 2018 was to provide the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council more time to consider the most appropriate recreational closed season. The new fixed closed season of November 1 through April 30 and June 1 through July 31 is expected to protect the greater amberjack population during peak spawning and still allow for spring (May) and fall (August through October) recreational harvest.  Where can I find more information on this rule? Contact NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office By Mail: Kelli O'Donnell 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 The Greater Amberjack Fishing Year and Recreational Fixed Closed Season Framework may be found online at the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office Web site at:  http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sustainable_fisheries/gulf_fisheries/reef_fish/2017/GAJ_Fishing Year/index.html. Additional information on management of greater amberjack in the Gulf of Mexico may be found at: http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/sustainable_fisheries/policy_branch/rules/gulf/reef_fish/index.html. 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.

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