Chamber Board Supports Fishing Fleet’s Opposition to Amberjack Closing

     Destin, FL, Nov. 9 - During its Oct. 26 meeting, the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to support the Destin fishing fleet’s opposition to the recent and sudden closing of amberjack season by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).

     “The closing of the amberjack season is absolutely ludicrous. Anyone who fishes a lot, like these great fishermen do, will tell you there is no shortage of fish,” said Shane Moody, Chamber President and CEO. “Until the NMFS stops using flawed data and starts using accurate counts, our Destin charter captains, as well as fishermen across the country, are going to be hurt. That's why the Board made the wise decision to support our charter fleet.”

     NMFS closed amberjack season on Oct. 24, after making the announcement about the closing on Oct. 23. This closing came during the month long October Destin Fishing Rodeo. NMFS had previously closed snapper season on Sept. 20.