Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of America, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish Fishery in the Gulf of America; 2026 Commercial Closure for Greater Amberjack
Key claim: NMFS is closing the 2026 commercial greater amberjack season in the Gulf of America effective August 5, 2026 for the rest of the year because landings are projected to reach the commercial annual catch target.
Abstract
(Rule · Commerce Department, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) NMFS is closing the 2026 commercial fishing season for greater amberjack in the Gulf of America (Gulf). Federal regulations require NMFS to close commercial harvest for greater amberjack if landings reach the commercial annual catch target (ACT) during the fishing year, which NMFS has projected will occur by August 5, 2026. The commercial closure for greater amberjack will remain closed through the rest of 2026. This action is necessary to protect the greater amberjack resource in the Gulf.
Why this matters
NMFS is closing the 2026 commercial greater amberjack season in the Gulf of America effective August 5, 2026 for the rest of the year because landings are projected to reach the commercial annual catch target.