Gag grouper harvest shut down; changes made for greater amberjack

Published 12:22 pm Saturday, October 28, 2023

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North Carolina Fisheries Proclamation FF-47-2023 closed the commercial harvest of gag grouper due to the 2023 annual catch limit being met, effective 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 23, 2023. The fishery will reopen May 1, 2024.

North Carolina Fisheries Proclamation FF-48-2023 closed the recreational harvest of gag grouper due to the 2023 annual catch limit being met, effective 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 23, 2023. The fishery will reopen May 1, 2024.

In addition, the proclamation FF-27-2023 implements requirements of final rule for Amendment 49, establishing changes for management of greater amberjack.

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The changes are commercial size limit reduced to 34 inches; increases season two commercial trip limit to 1,200 pounds whole weight or gutted weight; and prohibits possession, purchase or sale of greater amberjack during the month of April each year.

The commercial rule for greater amberjack became effective Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023 at 12:01 a.m.

The proclamation FF-48-2023 prohibits recreational possession of greater amberjack taken from waters under the jurisdiction of North Carolina or the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council from April 1 through April 30 each year.   

The commercial rule for greater amberjack became effective Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023 at 12:01 a.m.

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