On October 4, 2012, NOAA Fisheries approved Amendment 35 to the Fishery Management Plan for Reef Fish Resources in the Gulf of Mexico. This rule adjusts the annual catch limits and annual catch targets for the greater amberjack population in the Gulf of Mexico and establishes a 2,000-pound commercial trip limit. A final rule implementing these regulations published in the Federal Register on November 13, 2012 (77 FR 219), with an effective date of December 13, 2012.

The rule establishes a commercial trip limit of 2,000 pounds throughout the fishing year. The trip limit will allow for a longer fishing season for the commercial sector. The commercial fishing season re-opens on January 1, 2013. The 2013 commercial closed season will be March 1 through May 31, and will re-open on June 1st, as long as the annual catch target has not been exceeded or is projected to be exceeded.