2026-2027 Gulf Greater Amberjack Recreational Fishing Closure
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
This rule closes recreational fishing for greater amberjack in federal waters of the Gulf of America starting October 14, 2026, because NOAA expects recreational catch to hit the annual target by then. The 2026 season will be open only from September 1 through October 13, 2026, and the closure will run through July 31, 2027. Recreational anglers, charter operators, headboats, marinas, and coastal tourism businesses should plan around the shortened season. The goal is to keep total recreational catch within the limit set to protect the greater amberjack population.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- Closes recreational harvest of greater amberjack in federal Gulf waters starting October 14, 2026.
- Limits the 2026 recreational season to September 1 through October 13, 2026.
- Keeps the closure in effect through July 31, 2027, to prevent recreational catch from exceeding the annual target.
Obligations
What this law requires
Do not recreationally fish for or harvest greater amberjack in Federal waters of the Gulf of America during the recreational closure beginning October 14, 2026, and continuing through July 31, 2027.
Limit recreational greater amberjack fishing activity in Federal Gulf of America waters for the 2026-2027 fishing season to the open period from September 1, 2026, through October 13, 2026.