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Recreational Fishing Season Length Announcement for Greater Amberjack in Federal Waters of the Gulf of America
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/.
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Sign Up for Text Message Alerts
Our Text Message Alert Program allows you to receive important fishery related alerts via text message (SMS). Standard message and data rates may apply. You may opt-out at any time. Text alerts you may receive include immediate fishery openings and closures and any significant changes to fishing regulations that happen quickly.
Sign up for one or more of the fisheries-related alerts below by texting the following to 888777:
- Gulf of America (formerly Gulf of Mexico) Recreational: Text GULFRECFISH
- Gulf of America Commercial: Text GULFCOMMFISH
- South Atlantic Recreational: Text SATLRECFISH
- South Atlantic Commercial: Text SATLCOMMFISH
- Caribbean: Text CARIBFISH
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.
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Other Contacts
Media: Allison Garrett (727) 551-5750
Recreational Fishing Coordinator: Sean Meehan (727) 385-5202
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