Recreational fishing for shallow water grouper in Atlantic state waters, including all state waters of Monroe County, will be closed starting January 1. The closure is part of an annual measure to protect the species during their spawning season. The group of fish affected by this closure includes black, gag, yellowfin, scamp, yellowmouth, red, coney, graysby, red hind, and rock hind.
The closure will last until May 1, 2025, when recreational anglers can resume harvesting these species in the specified areas. This measure is taken each year beginning on January 1 to ensure the protection and sustainability of these fish populations during their critical spawning period.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has emphasized its commitment to collecting essential data on recreational harvest fishing. This information plays a crucial role in informing management decisions regarding these fisheries.