Alabama’s amberjack population is still declining

Alabama’s amberjack population is still declining

By David Rainer
Although there has been a flounder rebound in the coastal waters of Alabama, one species that is not rebounding as hoped is the greater amberjack, and more stringent management measures are likely in the near future. The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Gulf Council) met October 24-27 in Biloxi to consider changes to the amberjack regulations that could include an increased size limit, slot limits and season date changes.
“Amberjack, for about 30 years, has been experiencing challenges,” said Scott Bannon, director of Alabama’s Dept. of Conservation. “Previous management measures don’t seem to have moved us toward the goal of rebuilding the amberjack stock. At the Gulf Council level, it must consider adjusting harvest to meet the rebuilding goal by 2027. Under the Magnuson-Stevens Act, it’s going to take some substantial management changes to meet that goal. There will be a vote to go final on several amendments at Biloxi this month. That’s going to affect the harvest for commercial and recreational anglers.
“On the positive side, Dr. (Sean) Powers at the University of South Alabama is conducting a Gulf-wide amberjack survey, kind of a miniature version of the Great Red Snapper Count. We’re hopeful that we’re going to get some very helpful scientific management information out of that study.” The current amberjack season closed Oct. 31.