The Gulf of Mexico Greater Amberjack Recreational Fishing Season will close on September 28, 2015, according to NOAA Fisheries.
The recreational harvest of greater amberjack in the Gulf of Mexico will close at 12:01 a.m., local time, on September 28, 2015, and remain closed until January 1, 2016.
The 2015 landings data indicate the 1,130,000-pound recreational annual catch target will be harvested by September 27, 2015.
Greater Amberjack Recreational Fishing Closure Highlights:
- Recreational harvest or possession of greater amberjack is prohibited.
- The closure applies in both state and federal waters for vessels that have a valid Gulf of Mexico reef fish charter/headboat permit.
source: Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council
Showing posts with label amberjack. Show all posts
Showing posts with label amberjack. Show all posts
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Thursday, June 2, 2011
June - July Closed Season for Gulf of Mexico Amberjack
NOAA Fisheries Service has published a final rule to establish a June 1 through July 31 seasonal closure for recreational harvest of greater amberjack in or from the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) federal waters.
The intended effect of the rule is to maintain the rebuilding plan targets for the overfished greater amberjack resource, reduce the likelihood of exceeding the recreational quota for greater amberjack, minimize the length of in-season quota closures for greater amberjack during peak recreational fishing months, and increase social and economic benefits for Gulf recreational fishers by maximizing the number of fishing days available to the recreational sector.
In response to this quota closure, the Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Management Council (Council) developed a regulatory amendment to establish a fixed closed season to the harvest of greater amberjack by the recreational sector. Based on public input, the Council selected to have a seasonal closure during June and July.
These are peak recreational harvesting months of greater amberjack; closing federal waters during this time frame is expected to allow recreational fishing for greater amberjack to occur in all other months of the year, without exceeding the quota before year’s end.
This two month closure coincides with the open recreational seasons for other managed reef fish species, including red snapper, and provides recreational fishers the opportunity to fish for at least one of the targeted species year round (provided the recreational quota for greater amberjack is not exceeded).
A closed season for Gulf greater amberjack that overlaps with an open season for Gulf red snapper is intended to minimize the social and economic impacts to recreational fishers in the Gulf.
Copies of the final rule are available by contacting NOAA Fisheries Service’s Southeast Regional Office at 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701.
The final rule can be obtained in electronic form from the Federal Register Web site:
http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html (use advanced search for final rules using “BA48” as a keyword).
source: NOAA
The intended effect of the rule is to maintain the rebuilding plan targets for the overfished greater amberjack resource, reduce the likelihood of exceeding the recreational quota for greater amberjack, minimize the length of in-season quota closures for greater amberjack during peak recreational fishing months, and increase social and economic benefits for Gulf recreational fishers by maximizing the number of fishing days available to the recreational sector.
In response to this quota closure, the Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Management Council (Council) developed a regulatory amendment to establish a fixed closed season to the harvest of greater amberjack by the recreational sector. Based on public input, the Council selected to have a seasonal closure during June and July.
These are peak recreational harvesting months of greater amberjack; closing federal waters during this time frame is expected to allow recreational fishing for greater amberjack to occur in all other months of the year, without exceeding the quota before year’s end.
This two month closure coincides with the open recreational seasons for other managed reef fish species, including red snapper, and provides recreational fishers the opportunity to fish for at least one of the targeted species year round (provided the recreational quota for greater amberjack is not exceeded).
A closed season for Gulf greater amberjack that overlaps with an open season for Gulf red snapper is intended to minimize the social and economic impacts to recreational fishers in the Gulf.
Copies of the final rule are available by contacting NOAA Fisheries Service’s Southeast Regional Office at 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701.
The final rule can be obtained in electronic form from the Federal Register Web site:
http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html (use advanced search for final rules using “BA48” as a keyword).
source: NOAA
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Gulf of Mexico Amberjack Regulations Comment Period Extended
NOAA Fisheries Service is reopening the public comment period for a proposed rule to create a seasonal closure to recreational fishing for greater amberjack in the Gulf of Mexico.
According to NOAA, an annual closure during June and July would allow the recreational season to be open for the other ten months of the year, without exceeding the recreational quota.
NOAA Fisheries Service originally requested comments on the subject proposed rule from January 24 through February 23, 2011. However, based on several comments received, the intent of the proposed action was not completely understood by the public.
NOAA believes that many commenters interpreted the proposed closure as a way to reduce harvest. According to NOAA, the intent of the proposed rulemaking is to avoid exceeding the quota in-season, not to reduce harvesting of the species.
At the request of the Gulf of Mexico fishing charter and guide industry, the comment period is being reopened for 15 days to allow interested constituents additional time to comment on this proposal.
source: Gulf Council
Related Links
Amberjack Information
Amberjack Fishing Techniques
According to NOAA, an annual closure during June and July would allow the recreational season to be open for the other ten months of the year, without exceeding the recreational quota.
NOAA Fisheries Service originally requested comments on the subject proposed rule from January 24 through February 23, 2011. However, based on several comments received, the intent of the proposed action was not completely understood by the public.
NOAA believes that many commenters interpreted the proposed closure as a way to reduce harvest. According to NOAA, the intent of the proposed rulemaking is to avoid exceeding the quota in-season, not to reduce harvesting of the species.
At the request of the Gulf of Mexico fishing charter and guide industry, the comment period is being reopened for 15 days to allow interested constituents additional time to comment on this proposal.
source: Gulf Council
Related Links
Amberjack Information
Amberjack Fishing Techniques
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Proposed Rule to Establish a Fixed Closed Season for Gulf of Mexico Greater Amberjack
NOAA Fisheries Service has published a proposed rule that, if approved and implemented, would establish a June 1 through July 31 seasonal closure for recreational harvest of greater amberjack in or from the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) federal waters.
The intended effect of the proposed rule is to maintain the rebuilding plan targets for the overfished greater amberjack resource, reduce the likelihood of exceeding the recreational quota for greater amberjack, minimize in-season quota closures for greater amberjack during peak recreational fishing months, and increase social and economic benefits for Gulf recreational fishers by maximizing the number of fishing days available to the recreational sector.
For details, see:
http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/bulletins/pdfs/2011/FB11-003%20Proposed%20Rule%20to%20Establish%20a%20Fixed%20Closed%20Season%20for%20Recreational%20Greater%20Amberjack.pdf
The intended effect of the proposed rule is to maintain the rebuilding plan targets for the overfished greater amberjack resource, reduce the likelihood of exceeding the recreational quota for greater amberjack, minimize in-season quota closures for greater amberjack during peak recreational fishing months, and increase social and economic benefits for Gulf recreational fishers by maximizing the number of fishing days available to the recreational sector.
For details, see:
http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/bulletins/pdfs/2011/FB11-003%20Proposed%20Rule%20to%20Establish%20a%20Fixed%20Closed%20Season%20for%20Recreational%20Greater%20Amberjack.pdf
Friday, July 2, 2010
GMFMC June 2010 Meeting Summary
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council met in Gulfport, Mississippi the week of June 14, 2010 to address a host of fishery issues, including the red snapper season and the overfished status of gag. The Council took the following actions:
Red Snapper
The recreational season for red snapper is June 1 – September 30, but because excessive catches in state waters, the recreational season will end at midnight, July 23. Additionally, because of the oil spill crisis and the resulting fishing area closures, effort may be down and this year's quota potentially may not be met. Therefore, the Council requested that NOAA Fisheries implement an emergency rule to allow the Regional Administrator to reopen the recreational red snapper season after the September 30 closure if the recreational quota has not been met.
Gag
Gag is one of the four species under the management of the Gulf Council that is overfished, and the Council is developing an amendment to the Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan – Reef Fish Amendment 32 - to end overfishing and rebuild the stock within ten years.
In the meantime, a 71% reduction in gag removals is needed for 2011, and with Amendment 32 not scheduled for implementation until mid-late 2011, the Council requested an interim rule that will reduce the commercial quota for gag from 1.41 million pounds in 2010 to 390,000 pounds in 2011. The rule will also close the recreational harvest of gag for the first half of 2011. The Council intends to allow a limited recreational harvest of gag during the second half of 2011. These measures will help to minimize regulatory discards and reduce overfishing of gag until Amendment 32 can be completed and implemented.
Red Grouper
No changes to recreational management measures are proposed in the regulatory amendment, inasmuch as recreational landings have been below this level in recent years.
Greater Amberjack
Greater Amberjack is also overfished, and last year the recreational season was closed October 24, after the quota of 1.368 million pounds was exceeded. The Council is now considering a regulatory framework action that could result in a recreational season change for greater amberjack. The intent is to avoid in-season quota closures during peak fishing months and maximize social and economic benefits. The Council chose a recreational seasonal closure of June 1 through July 31, as its preferred alternative. Final action was deferred until the August meeting in Pensacola, Florida.
Red Snapper
The recreational season for red snapper is June 1 – September 30, but because excessive catches in state waters, the recreational season will end at midnight, July 23. Additionally, because of the oil spill crisis and the resulting fishing area closures, effort may be down and this year's quota potentially may not be met. Therefore, the Council requested that NOAA Fisheries implement an emergency rule to allow the Regional Administrator to reopen the recreational red snapper season after the September 30 closure if the recreational quota has not been met.
Gag
Gag is one of the four species under the management of the Gulf Council that is overfished, and the Council is developing an amendment to the Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan – Reef Fish Amendment 32 - to end overfishing and rebuild the stock within ten years.
In the meantime, a 71% reduction in gag removals is needed for 2011, and with Amendment 32 not scheduled for implementation until mid-late 2011, the Council requested an interim rule that will reduce the commercial quota for gag from 1.41 million pounds in 2010 to 390,000 pounds in 2011. The rule will also close the recreational harvest of gag for the first half of 2011. The Council intends to allow a limited recreational harvest of gag during the second half of 2011. These measures will help to minimize regulatory discards and reduce overfishing of gag until Amendment 32 can be completed and implemented.
Red Grouper
No changes to recreational management measures are proposed in the regulatory amendment, inasmuch as recreational landings have been below this level in recent years.
Greater Amberjack
Greater Amberjack is also overfished, and last year the recreational season was closed October 24, after the quota of 1.368 million pounds was exceeded. The Council is now considering a regulatory framework action that could result in a recreational season change for greater amberjack. The intent is to avoid in-season quota closures during peak fishing months and maximize social and economic benefits. The Council chose a recreational seasonal closure of June 1 through July 31, as its preferred alternative. Final action was deferred until the August meeting in Pensacola, Florida.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Fishing for Amberjack
 |
| Greater Amberjack | Credit: NOAA |
Greater Amberjack have a dark stripe over the eye, silvery flanks and white undersides. They can reach weights of 80 pounds or more.
Amberjack fishermen use a variety of outfits, depending on the situation. Experienced anglers employ stronger than normal tackle as these fish have a reputation for destroying cheap equipment. For casting live baits or lures, most anglers use a spinning or bait casting outfit in the 20-30 pound range.
Amberjack fishermen use a variety of outfits, depending on the situation. Experienced anglers employ stronger than normal tackle as these fish have a reputation for destroying cheap equipment. For casting live baits or lures, most anglers use a spinning or bait casting outfit in the 20-30 pound range.
Other situations such as fishing near obstructions require heavier conventional reels. Most amberjack specialists choose reels with smooth drags and fish with high quality lines.
Anglers fish for amberjack with live baits such as spot, croaker, perch, menhaden, striped mullet, eels and large shrimp. Top baits vary with season, location, availability and personal preference.
Anglers fish for amberjack with live baits such as spot, croaker, perch, menhaden, striped mullet, eels and large shrimp. Top baits vary with season, location, availability and personal preference.
Some anglers obtain live baits in local tackle shops while others choose to catch their own with cast nets, hook and line, seines or traps.
Some anglers prefer lures for amberjack although though the fish have a reputation for being difficult to fool. A few basic lures, presented correctly can sometimes incite a strike from a wary amberjack.
These include surface poppers, soft bodied jigs and other lifelike lures. The action and presentation of lures can be critical, with experience being a key asset for fishermen. As with rods and reels, lures and terminal tackle need to be sturdy built to handle the stresses of these brutal fish.
Saltwater fly fishing anglers also target amberjack. Fly casters seek out fish around wrecks, reefs, oil rigs or other structures. Fly rods and reels must be high quality saltwater versions, capable of withstanding powerful runs. Large saltwater flies that mimic local baitfish are used most often.
Anglers that catch amberjack usually choose to release the fish unharmed, sometimes tagging the fish before it is released. Fish destined for release are often kept in the water to prevent harming them.
Some anglers prefer lures for amberjack although though the fish have a reputation for being difficult to fool. A few basic lures, presented correctly can sometimes incite a strike from a wary amberjack.
These include surface poppers, soft bodied jigs and other lifelike lures. The action and presentation of lures can be critical, with experience being a key asset for fishermen. As with rods and reels, lures and terminal tackle need to be sturdy built to handle the stresses of these brutal fish.
Saltwater fly fishing anglers also target amberjack. Fly casters seek out fish around wrecks, reefs, oil rigs or other structures. Fly rods and reels must be high quality saltwater versions, capable of withstanding powerful runs. Large saltwater flies that mimic local baitfish are used most often.
Anglers that catch amberjack usually choose to release the fish unharmed, sometimes tagging the fish before it is released. Fish destined for release are often kept in the water to prevent harming them.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)