AJ season to close commercially and recreationally on Aug. 25

Landings data indicate annual catch target will be met

NOAA Fisheries announced today both the commercial and recreational harvest of greater amberjack will close at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 25.

According to a press release, the 2014 landings data indicate both the 409,000-pound commercial annual catch target and the 888,839-pound recreational annual catch target will be harvested by Aug.  24.

During the closure, commercial and recreational harvest of possession of greater amberjack is prohibited, and the closure applies in both state and federal waters for vessels that have a Gulf of Mexico commercial reef fish vessel permit or a reef fish charter permit.

The season will remain closed until Jan. 1, 2015, the release states.