Marine life workshops scheduled

Marine life workshops scheduled

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has scheduled a series of public workshops to receive comments on management proposals for the marine life (aquarium species) fishery.

The FWC is seeking feedback on recommendations that have been made by both its Marine Life Workgroup, which is an advisory panel that discusses marine life management issues, and FWC staff. The Commission will consider proposed marine life rule changes during its December meeting in Key West.

The recommendations include adding several species to the list that requires a marine life endorsement for commercial harvest, including the emerald crab, stingrays and some snails. Other recommendations include changing size and bag limits for certain species, such as Ricordea (a soft coral), Condylactis anemones, dwarf seahorses and parrotfish. The workgroup has also suggested a spawning season closure for Condylactis anemones.

In addition, the FWC wants to hear what people think about possible changes to the marine life recreational bag limit that would establish a two-day possession limit and allow the taking of no more than five of any one species within the 20-organism limit. The FWC is also looking for information on species being harvested for the curio trade (souvenirs).

More information regarding these proposals is available online at:
www.MyFWC.com/marine/workgroups/index.html

The FWC encourages interested people to participate in the workshops, which will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. as follows:

Monday, Sept. 22
University of Florida, Center for Marine Studies
9505 Ocean Shore Blvd.
St. Augustine

 

Thursday, Sept. 25
City Hall Council Chambers
123 NW Highway 19
Crystal River

 

Monday, Sept. 29
FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
100 Eighth Ave. SE
St. Petersburg

 

Tuesday, Sept. 30
IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum
300 Gulf Stream Way
Dania Beach

 

Wednesday, Oct. 1
City of Key Colony Beach
City Hall Building
Mile Marker 53.5
600 W. Ocean Drive
Key Colony Beach

 

Anyone requiring special accommodations to participate in the workshops should advise the FWC at least five days prior to the workshop by calling 850-488-6411. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the FWC using the Florida Relay Service at 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (voice).

You may also submit written comments on the marine life management proposals by e-mail to marine@myfwc.com. Please enter "Marine Life" in the subject field.