Gulf of Mexico Greater Amberjack Annual Catch Limit and Annual Catch Target Reduced for 2014

For Immediate Release April 28, 2014 Gulf of Mexico Greater Amberjack Annual Catch Limit and Annual Catch Target Reduced for 2014 National Marine Fisheries Services has issued a temporary rule effective April 23, 2014, that implements an accountability measure for recreational greater amberjack in the Gulf of Mexico. This rule reduces the Gulf greater amberjack 2014 recreational annual catch target to 862,512 lbs, and reduces the 2014 recreational annual catch limit to 1,031,512 lbs, based on the 2013 recreational annual catch limit overage of 267,488 lbs. The National Marine Fisheries Service determined that the 2013 recreational greater amberjack landings were 1,566,488 lbs, which exceeded the 2013 recreational annual catch limit of 1,299,000 lbs. In accordance with regulations at 50 CFR 622.41(a)(2)(ii), if recreational landings exceed the recreational annual catch target, then during the following fishing year, both the recreational annual catch target (recreational quota) and the recreational annual catch limit will be reduced by the amount of the prior year's recreational annual catch limit overage. The 2015 recreational annual catch target for greater amberjack will return to 1,130,000 lbs, and the recreational annual catch limit will return to 1,299,000 lbs, unless accountability measures are implemented due to a recreational annual catch limit overage in 2014, or the Council takes subsequent regulatory action to adjust the recreational annual catch target. 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. Submit comments and stay updated on fishery issues: Check it out! Go to www.gulfcouncil.org and click on the thermometer in the middle of the page. From there you can read up on all the pending actions, watch the video presentations, read comments, and submit your own. All comments submitted through the online form are automatically posted on our web site for Council review. Other comments are manually posted every couple of days.    There is also a thermometer for each issue that lets you know where the Council is in the process for that particular amendment, whether it's the scoping phase, final action, or implementation.    You can also find information on our Facebook page, blog, and YouTube channel.             The Gulf Council has an APP for that - Download it for free!           iPhone         Droid Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council Charlene Ponce Public Information Officer 888-833-1844 ext. 229

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