http://www.wlf.la.gov
For Immediate Release
January 11, 2018
Contact: Rene LeBreton
Public Information
LDWF
(504) 286-8745
[email protected]

Recreational greater amberjack season to close from January 27 through the end of June

January 11, 2018 – Today, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced the season for the recreational harvest of greater amberjack will close in Louisiana waters on January 27, 2018 and remain closed through June 30, 2018.  The recreational season opened on January 1, 2018 and will run through January 26, 2018 and then is scheduled to resume on July 1, 2018.  NOAA Fisheries announced the temporary closed season while new regulations are being enacted to establish new spring and fall seasons.  The changes in season structure are designed to help rebuild the greater amberjack stock.  NOAA Fisheries requested that Louisiana state waters also remain closed for that period.

In addition to the closure announced today, additional proposed changes are being promulgated by NOAA Fisheries to the recreational season to include a recreational fixed closed season from November 1 each year through the end of April of the following year.  The currently-established June 1 to July 31 fixed closed season will also remain.  The new season structure will result in an open recreational season during the month of May and the months of August through October annually.  These changes to the season structure are intended to continue to rebuild the greater amberjack stock while maximizing availability to anglers, especially later in the year. 

The recreational fishery was closed early in 2017, before many Louisiana anglers had an opportunity to fish for the species.  These proposed changes should improve those opportunities for future years.  For 2018, anglers should be aware of the potential for additional seasonal openings and closings.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet was authorized by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission in previously promulgated rules (LAC 76.VII.335.G.5) to change or modify the opening and closing dates for any recreational reef fish season in Louisiana waters when notified of a modification to a season by NOAA Fisheries. 

For more information, contact Jason Adriance at (504) 284-2032 or [email protected].

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. For more information, visit us at www.wlf.la.gov. To receive email alerts, signup at www.wlf.la.gov/signup.