Recreational harvest of greater amberjack to close in Gulf state waters; to reopen Aug. 1 - 25
FWC sketch of greater amberjack.
At its July meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) issued an executive order to close the recreational harvest of greater amberjack in state waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The 2023 recreational season for greater amberjack in Gulf state waters will be open Aug. 1 through Aug. 25, consistent with the Gulf of Mexico federal season.
Consistent state and federal recreational seasons for greater amberjack would help prevent quota overages and mitigate risks of future paybacks and early closures. The Gulf greater amberjack stock is overfished, and due to experiencing overfishing, is currently under a new rebuilding plan. The new rebuilding plan includes a large reduction in harvest to end overfishing and rebuild the stock by 2027.
For current recreational amberjack regulations, visit myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/amberjack. This page will be updated with the new season dates.
For more information about FWC Commission Meetings, visit myfwc.com/about/commission/commission-meetings.