Amberjack fishing could be closed in federal waters in the Gulf of Mexico for two months every year under a proposal being considered by the NOAA Fisheries Service.
The service has published a proposed rule that, if approved, would put greater amberjack off-limits to fishermen from June 1 through July 31st each year.
Federal researchers say the seasonal closure is needed to help rebuild the greater amberjack population in the Gulf of Mexico.
The fishery service says the closure would also keep recreational fishermen from filling the annual amberjack quota too quickly.
June and July are the peak recreational harvesting months for greater amberjack; researchers say that by closing recreational fishing for amberjack then they can allow fishermen to target the fish in all other months of the year, without exceeding the quota before year’s end.
NOAA Fisheries Service said the two month closure shouldn’t keep fishermen from fishing in the Gulf in the summer because they can still target other popular species including red snapper.
But they do want to know what the public thinks about the plan.
Fishermen have until February 23rd to make their comments.
You can find a number of ways to file your comments by checking the news page at oysterradio.com.
http://www.oysterradio.com e-mail manager@oysterradio.com with comments
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