Gulf amberjack fishing season closed for nearly a year
What happened
Federal regulators have closed the recreational fishing season for greater amberjack in the Gulf of Mexico. This means recreational anglers cannot catch the fish from September 2025 through July 2026.
Why it matters
The government sets annual catch limits for fish populations to prevent overfishing. When recreational anglers exceed their limit, the season closes early the following year. This closure means fewer amberjack for recreational fishers and local businesses that rely on them.
The signal
Watch for changes in the amberjack population numbers in future assessments, which will determine if the closure helped the fish recover.