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*(via MyFWC)Media contact: Emily Abellera, Emily.Abellera@MyFWC.com  FWC seeks public input at virtual workshops on protections  for Goliath grouper spawning aggregations  The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is hosting two virtual workshops this week to gather feedback on proposed rulemaking that would enact seasonal fishing closures on priority Goliath grouper spawning aggregation sites in southeast Florida to reduce potential impacts of catch-and-release fishing. The virtual workshops are scheduled on the following dates: Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 1 at 6 p.m. Connect to the meeting by going to MyFWC.com/Marine and clicking “Rulemaking: Submit a Comment/Attend a Workshop”...

*(Via MyFWC) Gray triggerfish and spotted seatrout open for recreational harvest on March 1  The following species will open to recreational harvest March 1: Gray triggerfish opens in Gulf state and federal waters. If you plan to fish for gray triggerfish in state or federal waters from a private recreational vessel, you must sign up as a State Reef Fish Angler (annual renewal is required). To learn more, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on “Recreational Regulations” and “State Reef Fish Survey” under “Reef Fish.” Sign up today at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. Spotted seatrout reopens in the Western Panhandle Management Region, which includes all...

Press release February 28, 2023 Contact: Fisheries Section, (334) 242-3471 Geneva County Public Fishing Lake Reopens March 1 Geneva County Public Fishing Lake will reopen on March 1, 2023, under the operation of new lake manager Ray Windham. The lake had been temporarily closed during the transition of operations to the new lake manager. The lake is located 15 miles northwest of Geneva at 2308 County Rd. 63, in Coffee Springs, Alabama. The facility features two lakes totaling 65 surface acres, public restrooms, a covered fishing pier and a boat ramp. Bait, fishing tackle and snacks may be purchased at...

At its March meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved a limited, highly regulated recreational harvest of goliath grouper in state waters beginning Spring 2023.  This unique recreational opportunity is possible through conservation efforts by state and federal agencies that aided in the goliath grouper population rebuilding over the course of three decades, following years of overfishing. This limited harvest will allow access to a fishery that has been closed since 1990 by issuing up to 200 harvest permit tags via random-draw lottery. This approved recreational harvest of goliath grouper includes:  A recreational harvest of up to...

At their March meeting, Commissioners with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved rules to allow for the production and sale of Florida largemouth bass as a food product. Statutory changes made during the 2021 legislative session sanctioned the sale of Florida largemouth bass produced in aquaculture facilities for food. Staff worked with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) to ensure continued genetic conservation of Florida’s iconic freshwater game fish. Key points from the approved rule language include: Allow for the culture and sale of Florida largemouth bass as a food fish. Incorporate FWC’s Genetic...