Saltwater Public Comments
The FWC welcomes comments on any species, even those not featured on this page, at any time via the comment form below, email at Marine@MyFWC.com or phone at 850-487-0554.
The following topics are either tentatively slated to be brought before the Commission in the near future or items FWC staff plan to begin working on.
This is not an all-encompassing list and topics may be moved to a later date or not discussed at all.
Visit the Commission meeting agenda page to see what FWC staff will be presenting to the Commission at an upcoming meeting.
Public Workshops
Share your input in person by attending a public workshop.
Other topics
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) staff are considering recommendations for rule changes to support the long-term sustainability of cownose rays in response to documented declines in some Florida estuaries. Your knowledge and expertise are vital to this process.
Staff are seeking input on a wide range of possible management options for cownose rays, including recreational and commercial size limits, harvest and possession limits, live-landing and live-well requirements, gear restrictions, and more.
We invite you to submit your comments on regulations for cownose rays on this webpage and to attend a virtual public workshop. Workshops will take place on Thursday, May 21 and Tuesday, June 2, 2026, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. ET. For information about these workshops, visit: MyFWC.com/SaltwaterWorkshops
Your feedback will help develop staff’s recommendations to the Commission for rule changes. For details about Commission meetings, visit MyFWC.com/About/Commission/Commission Meetings.
Have ideas for the future of Gulf recreational gag grouper managment?
While Gulf gag grouper remains overfished and is currently under a rebuilding plan, FWC believes there are opportunities to improve access while continuing to support the stock’s recovery.
Specifically, FWC wants to hear your ideas and feedback that can help inform the future direction of specific components of Florida’s recreational gag grouper fishery, including:
- What is your preferred season structure (e.g., time of year, length of season, weekends vs. weekdays)?What should the bag limit be? Should we consider a vessel limit?
- Should regulations differ between for-hire (charter and headboats) and private anglers?
- Would you be willing to report your gag grouper fishing data via an app?
- Would you be interested in regional management?
We welcome feedback on the above topics, along with any other ideas you have for the management of Gulf gag grouper. Staff will be hosting a series of public workshops from February 24 through March 10. For more information on these workshops, visit MyFWC.com/SaltwaterWorkshops.
If you are unable to attend the in-person or virtual workshops but would still like to comment on this topic, please use the form below or send an email to Marine@MyFWC.com.