FWC to Host Workshops on Lane Snapper Regulation Changes

News Summary

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is organizing public workshops in Fort Myers and St. Petersburg, along with a virtual session, to discuss proposed rule changes for lane snapper in Gulf state waters. These workshops aim to gather public feedback on measures to manage the fish population and tackle overfishing concerns, including changes to size limits and bag limits. Participation can be in-person or online, providing various options for stakeholders to share their opinions.

Fort Myers – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is set to host a series of public workshops to discuss proposed rule changes concerning lane snapper in Gulf state waters. These workshops are essential for gathering public input on the measures aimed at managing the fish population and addressing overfishing concerns.

The FWC workshops are scheduled to take place in Fort Myers and St. Petersburg, as well as a virtual session, allowing for widespread participation. The in-person workshops will include a presentation from FWC staff detailing the potential rule changes, followed by a period for public comment. The details of the workshops are as follows:

• Wednesday, June 25: Fort Myers from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Fort Myers Regional Library South Building, located at 1651 Lee St., Fort Myers, FL 33901.
• Thursday, June 26: St. Petersburg from 6-7:30 p.m. at the West St. Petersburg Community Library, situated at 6700 8th Ave., N., St. Petersburg, FL 33710.
• Monday, June 30: Virtual workshop from 6-7:30 p.m. A link will be accessible on the FWC Marine Fisheries Workshops page on the day of the event.

The lane snapper fishery has faced overfishing in recent years, leading to early fishery closures. In response to these challenges, the FWC has proposed amendments that include increasing the minimum size limit for both commercial and recreational fishing from 8 inches to 10 inches. Additionally, a new recreational bag limit of 20 fish per person will be established for Gulf state waters. These proposed changes aim to reduce overfishing risks, decrease the likelihood of fishery closures, and create consistency between state and federal regulations.

The FWC is encouraging public engagement, recognizing the value of input from recreational anglers, commercial fishermen, and other stakeholders. Feedback collected during the workshops will be taken into account while formulating rule recommendations for the Commission to consider. This process is vital as it ensures that the developed rules reflect the interests and concerns of those directly affected by the fishing regulations.

For individuals unable to attend the workshops in person or virtually, the FWC provides alternate avenues to submit comments. Feedback can be given online at MyFWC.com/SaltwaterComments or sent via email at Marine@MyFWC.com. This ensures that all community members have the opportunity to express their opinions on the proposed rule changes.

Those interested in additional details about the proposed changes, workshop specifics, or other inquiries can find more information on the FWC Marine Fisheries Workshops webpage. Alternatively, they may contact the FWC directly at 850-487-0554 for further assistance.

These workshops reflect the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s commitment to sustainable fishing practices and active management of marine resources. By prioritizing public input, the FWC aims to ensure a balanced approach to the conservation of lane snapper and the interests of the fishing community.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• North Fort Myers Neighbor
• Wikipedia: Lane Snapper
• Boca Beacon
• Google Search: Gulf Lane Snapper Rules
• Click Orlando
• Google Scholar: Gulf Lane Snapper Regulations
• Florida Governor’s Office
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Lane Snapper
• LakeO News
• Google News: FWC Gulf Lane Snapper