Snook, Redfish, and Spotted Seatrout Catch-and-Release Measures in Southwest Florida

Good afternoon –

You are receiving this email because you have a recreational saltwater fishing license and reside in southwest Florida, and you may be interested in a discussion coming before the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at their upcoming February 25-26 meeting.  The Commission will receive an update on snook, redfish, and spotted seatrout in southwest Florida.  These species are currently catch-and-release only from Pasco County through Gordon Pass in Collier County in response to a prolonged red tide that occurred from November 2017 through February 2019.  The current catch-and-release measures are in effect through May 2021.  

During the February 25-26 meeting, FWC staff will present the latest monitoring data for these species in southwest Florida, an overview of public input, and potential options for short-term management of these species after the EO expires.  FWC staff is seeking input and direction from the Commission on management options for this suite of species once the current EO expires on May 31, 2021.  The meeting agenda and additional information related to the red tide update can be found online here: https://myfwc.com/about/commission/commission-meetings/february-2021/.

The FWC Commission meeting will be held virtually on February 25-26, 2021, starting at 9:00 a.m., EST each day.  A link to the live video conference will be posted on the Commission meeting webpage the day of the meeting, and the meeting will also be broadcast on the Florida Channel, which can be streamed live on their website: https://thefloridachannel.org/.  

FWC is committed to providing the opportunity for public input at each Commission meeting.  Comments are welcome via call-in during designated portions of the meeting; however, the time allotted for call-in comments on this agenda item is limited to one hour.  Public comment during the meeting will be taken by telephone on a first call/first serve basis.  To accommodate as much input as possible, we strongly encourage you to provide your written comments in advance no later than 5:00pm on Friday, February 19, 2021, using our Commission meeting online comment form (https://myfwc.wufoo.com/forms/s1g2xh6f009a30i/). 

 

Sincerely,

 

FWC Division of Marine Fisheries Management