NEWS RELEASE

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

October 21, 1997

CONTACT: Tom Champeau (941) 648-3202

GFC TO DISCUSS PROPOSED CHANGE TO SPECKLED PERCH RULE

On Monday, November 3, 1997, representatives from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Division of Freshwater Fisheries will hold an open house in Sebring to discuss a bag limit change for speckled perch (black crappie).

"We are considering a reduction in the statewide daily bag limit for speckled perch (black crappie) from 50 to 25 fish per day," said Tom Champeau, regional fisheries biologist with the FWC.

The purpose of the open house is to provide an opportunity for anglers to discuss the proposed rule change with FWC biologists. Citizens will also be able to submit written input to the agency.

"The open house will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Agri-Civic Center, located at the corner of US Highway 27 and George Road in Sebring," Champeau said.

If citizens are unable to attend, they can call the FWC's Division of Freshwater Fisheries in Lakeland at (941) 648-3202 to discuss the proposed rule change and request a comment card.