Framework Action to Modify the Greater Amberjack Recreational Fixed Closed Season and Commercial Trip Limit

The Framework and the proposed rule would adjust the Gulf greater amberjack recreational fixed closed season and the commercial trip limit. Specifically, the Framework and the proposed rule would:
• Revise the Gulf greater amberjack recreational fixed closed season from November 1 - April 30 and June 1 - July 31 (open August 1 - October 31 and May 1 - 31) to August 1 - 31 and November 1 - July 31 (open September 1 - October 31), and
• 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 equivalent).

The need for this framework action is to maintain recreational and commercial access to the Gulf greater amberjack component of the reef fish fishery, given the newly implemented, substantial decreases, to the annual catch limits and annual catch targets as part of Amendment 54 to the Reef Fish FMP while targeting the objectives of the greater amberjack rebuilding plan.

Additionally, the rule would clarify language related to the Gulf red snapper Federal charter vessel/headboat component fishing allowances.