Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted Friday to open the recreational season for greater amberjack in Gulf Coast state waters from September 1 through October 13. The decision aligns with a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration rule that extends the Gulf recreational season to 43 days, up from 26 days in the previous year. The season applies to anglers fishing from private vessels in waters up to 240 feet deep, primarily around reefs. Regulations require a State Reef Fish Angler Designation, annual renewal, a daily bag limit of one fish, and a minimum length of 34 inches. The commercial season for greater amberjack ended Saturday and will resume on January 1. Officials cited concerns that the species is overfished and its population is low, prompting a reduction in commercial harvest and an increase in data collection through angler surveys to assess the impact on stock management. The FWC will likely distribute surveys to licensed anglers to gather information for future management decisions.