New Regulations in the GulfGreater Amberjack Fishery in the Gulf of Mexico NOAA Fisheries Service determined that the recreational sector met its 2009 quota of 1.368 million pounds at the end of August. As a result, the greater amberjack fishery in Gulf federal waters was closed from October 24 through December 31, 2009. NOAA Fisheries Service determined this action was necessary to prevent overfishing and to keep the recreational sector from exceeding its quota during the 2009 fishing year. If the recreational sector exceeded its quota in 2009, this overage could result in a reduced quota and season in 2010. The total recreational overage has not yet been calculated due to the lag time in receiving recreational catch data. If the 2010 recreational amberjack season is shortened in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico as a result of an overage, the FWC could consider implementing a consistent season in state waters. For more information: Greater Amberjack and Gray Triggerfish Regulations in the Gulf of Mexico The most recent stock assessments for these species indicate that there is excessive fishing pressure and that reductions in harvest are needed. The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council adopted these regulation changes in early 2008. The FWC adopted consistency rules for state waters of the Gulf at its December 2008 meeting. Greater Amberjack
- Increase the recreational minimum size limit to 30 inches fork length
- Zero bag limit for captain/crew of for-hire vessels
- Sets annual catch limits - allows for in-season adjustments if go over
- possible seasonal closure if exceed ACL
- Quotas set: 0.503 mp for commercial, 1.386 mp for recreational
Gray Triggerfish
- Increase recreational and commercial minimum size to 14 inches fork length
- Sets annual catch limits - allows for in-season adjustments if go over
- possible seasonal closure if exceed ACL
- Commercial quota set at 80,000 pounds in 2008, increasing in 2009 and 2010
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