The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has announced changes to the commercial harvest regulations for greater amberjack in the federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico, effective June 16.

Starting at 12:01 a.m. local time on June 16, the daily trip limit for the commercial harvest of greater amberjack will be adjusted from seven fish to 250 pounds gutted weight. This adjustment follows an emergency rule implemented on January 1, which initially reduced the trip limit from 1,000 pounds gutted weight to seven fish, with a step-down to 250 pounds once 75% of the commercial annual catch target was reached. The emergency rule will expire on June 15, prompting a reversion to the previous regulations.

NOAA Fisheries has projected that 75% of the commercial annual catch target will be achieved by June 15, leading to the enforcement of the 250-pound gutted weight trip limit until the commercial season closes. The closure of the commercial harvest is scheduled for 12:01 a.m. local time on June 30. During this closure, the sale or purchase of greater amberjack is prohibited. The commercial fishing season for greater amberjack will reopen on January 1, 2025.

This regulatory change aims to manage the commercial harvest effectively and prevent overfishing. As of January 1, the commercial annual catch limit for greater amberjack in the Gulf of Mexico is set at 65,720 pounds whole weight, with an annual catch target of 58,650 pounds whole weight. The commercial sector experienced a closure from March 1 through May 31, and is anticipated to reach the catch target by June 30 under the new trip limit.

For a comprehensive view of the regulations, refer to the Code of Federal Regulations at www.ecfr.gov/current/title-50/chapter-VI/part-622/subpart-B.

This summary provides essential updates on the changes affecting the commercial harvest of greater amberjack in the Gulf of Mexico. Further details can be accessed through NOAA's official resources.