Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Closure of the 2009 Gulf of Mexico Recreational Fishery for Greater Amberjack

NMFS closes the recreational fishery for greater amberjack in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf). During the closure, the bag and possession limit for greater amberjack in or from the Gulf EEZ is zero. In addition, a person aboard a vessel for which a Federal charter vessel/headboat permit for Gulf reef fish has been issued must also abide by these closure provisions in state waters. NMFS has determined this action is necessary to prevent the recreational fishery for greater amberjack from exceeding its quota for the fishing year. This closure is necessary to prevent overfishing of Gulf greater amberjack.