Key Messages:
- NOAA Fisheries is implementing an emergency regulation to reduce the commercial harvest rate of Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) greater amberjack. The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) requested NOAA Fisheries take emergency action while a Framework Action to modify commercial trip limits is being reviewed and considered for implementation.
- The most recent population assessment indicates Gulf greater amberjack is overfished (the population is too low) and is undergoing overfishing (too many fish being caught).
- This Emergency Rule reduces the commercial trip limit to 7 greater amberjack from the current trip limit of 1,000 pounds gutted weight with a step-down to 250 pounds gutted weight when 75% of the commercial annual catch target (or commercial quota) has been harvested.
- This change is being made to reduce the catch rate of greater amberjack by the commercial sector and extend the commercial fishing season.
Summary of Change:
- The Gulf greater amberjack commercial fishing year begins on January 1. The Emergency Rule reduces the commercial trip limit to 7 fish.
- This Emergency Rule will be effective for 180 days, or until it is superseded by a final rule implementing the Framework Action that is currently under review by NOAA Fisheries. This Emergency Rule will not be extended.
- The modification to the commercial trip limit is necessary to reduce the harvest rate of Gulf greater amberjack and extend the fishing season. The Emergency Rule is expected to extend the commercial greater amberjack fishing season into June 2024 when it is estimated that the commercial quota will be met and a closure of the commercial harvest will occur.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
What will the Emergency Rule for Gulf greater amberjack do?
- The Emergency Rule will reduce the Gulf greater amberjack commercial trip limit to 7 fish (estimated 210 pounds gutted weight) from the current trip limit of 1,000 pounds gutted weight with a step down to 250 pounds gutted weight when 75% of the commercial quota has been harvested.
Why did the Council request the Emergency Rule?
- The final rule for Amendment 54 to Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources in the Gulf of Mexico, which was implemented in June 2023, drastically reduced the catch levels for Gulf greater amberjack.
- The commercial fishing season for Gulf greater amberjack, which begins on January 1, is expected to be very short each year under the current trip limit; therefore, the Council developed a Framework Action to reduce the trip limit to extend the fishing season.
- Commercial landings exceeded the commercial annual catch limit in 2023, requiring NOAA Fisheries to further reduce the 2024 catch limits by the amount of the overage.
- The Council approved the Framework Action at their October 2023 meeting; however, if implemented, the new trip limit of 7 fish is not expected to be effective until spring 2024.
- Thus, the Council requested an Emergency Rule that would be effective on January 1, 2024, to reduce the trip limit to 7 fish in accordance with what would be specified in the Framework Action to reduce harvest rates and extend the 2024 fishing season.
When will the Emergency Rule go into effect?
- This Emergency Rule will be in effect from January 1, 2024, through June 29, 2024, or until it is superseded by a final rule implementing the Framework Action.
- The Emergency Rule will not be extended.
Where can I find more information on the Emergency Rule?
- Contact NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office.
By Mail: Dan Luers
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
- More information on the Emergency Rule to Modify the Greater Amberjack Commercial Trip Limit may be found online at the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office Web site at: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/emergency-rule-implement-reduced-commercial-trip-limits-gulf-mexico-greater-amberjackhttps://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/emergency-rule-implement-reduced-commercial-trip-limits-gulf-mexico-greater-amberjack.
Sign Up For Text Message Alerts - Find Out About Immediate Openings and Closures
NOAA's Text Message Alert Program allows you to receive important fishery related alerts via text message (SMS). Standard message & data rates may apply. You may opt-out at any time.
Text alerts you may receive include:
- Immediate fishery openings and closures
- Any significant changes to fishing regulations that happen quickly
Sign up for one or more of the following groups:
- Gulf of Mexico Recreational Fisheries Related Alerts
- Text GULFRECFISH to 888777
- Gulf of Mexico Commercial Fisheries Related Alerts
- Text GULFCOMMFISH to 888777
- South Atlantic Recreational Fisheries Related Alerts
- Text SATLRECFISH to 888777
- South Atlantic Commercial Fisheries Related Alerts
- Text SATLCOMMFISH to 888777
- Caribbean Fisheries Related Alerts
- Text CARIBFISH to 888777
Quick Glance Contact List for the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office
Permits Mailbox: The Permits Office in St. Petersburg, Florida, now has a Permits mailbox in the front lobby (263 13th Ave. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701). You can now drop off original permits for permit transfers. Envelopes with information labels will be provided so that your documents can be attached to the correct application. The mailbox will be checked daily. For more information contact the Permits Office at 877-376-4877.
Other contacts:
Media: Allison Garrett, 727-551-5750
Recreational Fishing Coordinator: Sean Meehan (727) 385-5202
