Seasonal grouper closure starts Jan. 1 in Atlantic, Monroe County waters

For immediate release: December 27, 2012
Contact: Amanda Nalley, 850-410-4943

Seasonal grouper closure starts Jan. 1 in Atlantic, Monroe County waters

Several species of grouper will close to recreational and commercial harvest starting Jan. 1 in Florida state waters of the Atlantic, including Monroe County. This seasonal closure includes gag, black, red, yellowmouth, yellowfin and tiger grouper; scamp; red hind; rock hind; coney; and graysby. State waters in the Atlantic are from shore to three nautical miles out.

The harvest of these species of grouper in Atlantic state waters will remain closed through April 30, reopening May 1. The harvest closure was established to ensure the long-term sustainability of Atlantic grouper species.

A similar closure will also take effect in federal waters of the Atlantic.

Grouper information, including Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic grouper regulations, is available online. Go to MyFWC.com/Fishing and select “Saltwater” then “Recreational Regulations” and “Grouper.”