NOAA is closing the federal waters of the Gulf of America to Greater Amberjack recreational harvest at 12:01 a.m., local time, Saturday September 27, 2025.
NOAA states that the 2024/2025 Gulf greater amberjack recreational landings data indicate 882,451 lb were harvested; 478,451 lb greater than the 2024/2025 annual catch limit of 404,000 lb.
Recreational harvest of Greater Amberjack in Louisiana state waters (out to 9 nautical miles) will remain open until October 31.
“Prior to state management of Red Snapper, anglers were faced with shortened seasons and reduced access. This untimely closing of federal waters for Greater Amberjack is another prime example of the need for state management using state data programs,” said LDWF Secretary Tyler Bosworth.
Governor Jeff Landry and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Secretary Tyler Bosworth sent a letter to NOAA Fisheries earlier this month, requesting that management of Greater Amberjack be transferred to the state level. Seasonal landings at the state management level would be conducted through LDWF’s more precise recreational saltwater landings data collection program, LA Creel. The use of LA Creel has been crucial in developing state management of Louisiana's recreational Red Snapper season. The near real-time data provides Louisiana the ability to set flexible fishing seasons that allow anglers to take full advantage of available fishery resources. State management of Greater Amberjack would provide more flexibility in setting seasons and regulations, allowing greater ability to tailor state-specific management.