The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has announced a temporary prohibition on the possession and harvest of Suwannee bass in the Wakulla River and its tributaries. This measure, effective immediately, will last for at least 24 months. The restriction covers the river’s headwaters at Wakulla Springs down to its confluence with the St. Marks River near St. Marks.
According to FWC biologists, recent surveys indicate that Suwannee bass are no longer present in the Wakulla River. Once noted for having the highest catch rates of this species within its range, the river has experienced a significant decline in their population.
The purpose of this harvest restriction is to protect any remaining Suwannee bass and allow time for further data collection by the FWC. This information will be crucial in developing future conservation strategies for the species.
Suwannee bass are considered a species of greatest conservation need by both the FWC and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Their distribution is limited to six rivers in Florida and three shared rivers between Florida and Georgia, making it one of the smallest geographic distributions among black bass species.
For additional details about this suspension and ongoing conservation efforts for Suwannee bass, refer to the Executive Order available at MyFWC.com.
