FAIRHOPE, Ala. (AP) - Federal officials say fishing seasons for triggerfish and amberjack in the Gulf of Mexico have been shortened.
 
AL.com reported Friday that the recreational season for gray triggerfish will close May 11, and won't reopen until March 2020. The season for greater amberjack would normally reopen May 1, but will remain closed until August.
 
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council sets fishing seasons with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The council made the announcement this week in a Fishery Bulletin.
 
The triggerfish season could stay closed longer depending on federal estimates of the 2019 harvest. The 2019 season is 72 days instead of the usual 173.
 
The amberjack season will last 92 days because officials estimated fishermen caught the entire annual quota for last year during August, September and October.