Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council

Commercial Season for Greater Amberjack in Louisiana Waters to Close on June 23, 2023, Until January 1, 2024

greater amberjack

The commercial season for Greater Amberjack in Louisiana waters will close at 11:59 p.m. on June 23, 2023, and will remain closed until January 1, 2024. The decision was made by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Robert Shadoin, following notification by NOAA Fisheries that the Federal waters of…

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Gulf Council Asks Fishermen for Information on Mutton Snapper

Young man on charter boat holding bent rod with fish on line

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council would like to gain a better understanding of what’s happening with mutton snapper in the Gulf of Mexico. The Council recognizes that as active fishermen, you may notice trends or interesting things happening in the Gulf that the scientists and managers may not…

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Gulf Council Seeks Applicants for its Coastal Migratory Pelagics Advisory Panel

school of tuna in blue water

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is accepting applications for membership on its Coastal Migratory Pelagics Advisory Panel. Advisory Panels are comprised of individuals who are knowledgeable and interested in the conservation and management of the fishery resources, or who are engaged in the harvest of Gulf of Mexico…

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January 2023 Council Meeting Summary

gray triggerfish

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) met in Baton Rouge, Louisiana from January 30 – February 2, 2023. The Council heard a presentation on the Return ‘Em Right project and received and update from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management on Wind Energy Development in the Gulf of Mexico. Mr….

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Loan Opportunity Info Available for Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Participants

school of tuna in blue water

NOAA Fisheries is sending this notification to clarify information about loan opportunities through the federal Fisheries Finance Program (FFP) for Gulf of Mexico IFQ participants. The federal FFP is a direct government loan program that receives an annual loan authority from Congress to provide long-term loans to the commercial fishing…

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Extension of Emergency Measures Modify the Greater Amberjack Recreational Fixed Closed Season

greater amberjack

Key Message: NOAA Fisheries announces the extension of regulations to reduce the recreational harvest of greater amberjack. The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council agreed NOAA Fisheries should extend emergency action while they develop long-term management measures to rebuild the greater amberjack population. How Long is the Emergency Rule Effective: The…

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Final Rule to Revise the Gulf Migratory Group King Mackerel Catch Limits

king mackerel swimming

Key Messages: NOAA Fisheries announces implementation of the final rule for Framework Amendment 11 under the Fishery Management Plan for Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Region. This rule modifies Gulf of Mexico Migratory Group king mackerel catch limits.   When Rule Will Take Effect: Regulations…

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Final Rule to Implement Two Framework Actions for Gulf Red Snapper

red snapper

Key Message: NOAA Fisheries announces a final rule that will implement two framework actions under the Fishery Management Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico; Modifications to Data Calibrations (Data Calibrations Framework) and Annual Catch Limits (Catch Limits Framework) for Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) Red Snapper….

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Lane Snapper Harvest in Federal Waters of the Gulf Closes on November 15, 2022

fishing rods on a boat

What/When/Where: Commercial and recreational harvest of lane snapper in Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) federal waters will close at 12:01 a.m., local time, on November 15, 2022. Commercial and recreational harvest will reopen at 12:01 a.m., local time, on January 1, 2023.   Why This Closure Is Happening: The 2022 stock annual…

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October 2022 Council Meeting Summary

gray triggerfish

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council met in Biloxi, Mississippi, on October 24-27, 2022. The meeting began with the Council populating its’ Council Committees through August 2023. NOAA Fisheries Assistant Administrator Janet Coit provided remarks to the Council and stakeholders on agency priorities. Additionally, the Council heard presentations on the Joint Council Workgroup…

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