What/When/Where:
- Effective January 1, 2024, the 2024 Gulf of Mexico commercial greater amberjack annual catch limit is 65,720 pounds (lbs) and the annual catch target is 58,650 lbs.
- The harvest reduction is effective for the 2024 commercial greater amberjack fishing season, which opens January 1, 2024.
Why This Reduction Is Happening:
- The latest report for 2023 Gulf of Mexico greater amberjack commercial landings indicates 136,280 lbs were harvested; 35,280 lbs greater than the 2023 annual catch limit of 101,000 lbs.
- A commercial post-season accountability measure requires a reduction in the next fishing year’s annual catch limit by the amount of the previous year’s annual catch limit overage with the annual catch target being adjusted accordingly.
- As a result, the 2024 annual catch limit is reduced from 101,000 lbs to 65,720 lbs and the annual catch target is reduced from 93,930 lbs to 58,650 lbs.
- This action is necessary to protect the greater amberjack population. This population is currently considered overfished (the population size is too low) and undergoing overfishing (too many fish being harvested).
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
