What/When/Why:
- Federal waters of the Gulf will be open to greater amberjack recreational harvest from September 1, 2026, to 12:01 a.m., local time, October 14, 2026.
- This results in a 43-day recreational fishing season for Gulf greater amberjack, up from 26 days in 2025.
- The current recreational bag/possession limit is 1 fish per person/per day.
- The current minimum size limit is 34 inches fork length.
- Greater amberjack recreational harvest will be closed from October 14, 2026 until the 2027/2028 fishing season begins on September 1, 2027.
Why This Is Happening:
- The 2026/2027 annual catch limit is 404,000 lb and the annual catch target is 335,320 lb.
- In accordance with the regulations, NOAA Fisheries closes harvest when the recreational annual catch target has been met or is projected to be met.
- Based on available recreational landings, NOAA Fisheries has projected the recreational annual catch target will be met on October 14.
This action is necessary to protect the Gulf greater amberjack population. This population is currently considered overfished (the population size is too low).
During The Closure:
- During the recreational closure, the bag and possession limits are zero for greater amberjack in or from federal waters of the Gulf.
- The prohibition on possession of greater amberjack also applies in Gulf state waters for a vessel issued a valid federal charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef fish.
- This bulletin provides only a summary of the existing regulations. Full regulations can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations at 50 CFR part 622 or at https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-50/chapter-VI/part-622/subpart-B/.
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 Recreational Fisheries Related Alerts
- Text GULFRECFISH to 888777
- Gulf 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
