The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is organizing public workshops to discuss potential rule changes for lane snapper in Gulf state waters. These sessions aim to collect public feedback on the proposed regulations.
The FWC will present possible rule amendments before opening the floor for public comments. In-person workshops are set for June 25 in Fort Myers at the Fort Myers Regional Library South Building, and June 26 in St. Petersburg at the West St. Petersburg Community Library, both from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Additionally, a virtual workshop is scheduled for June 30 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., with access details available on the FWC Marine Fisheries Workshops page on the day of the event.
Due to overfishing concerns leading to early closures, proposed changes include increasing the commercial and recreational minimum size limit from eight inches to ten inches and establishing a recreational bag limit of 20 fish per person in Gulf state waters. These measures aim to prevent overfishing, reduce early closures, and align regulations between Gulf state and federal waters.
Public input gathered during these workshops will inform rule recommendations for the Commission’s consideration.
Those unable to attend can submit comments online at MyFWC.com/SaltwaterComments or via email at Marine@MyFWC.com. For further information on the proposed rules or workshop specifics, visit FWC Marine Fisheries Workshops or contact them at 850-487-0554.
