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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.

Future Commission Meeting Items

FWC wants your feedback on a proposed rule to modify the recreational greater amberjack season in Gulf state waters.  A recent stock assessment indicates that Gulf greater amberjack is overfished and undergoing overfishing.  To end overfishing and rebuild the stock, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council approved a rebuilding plan that included a quota reduction.  As a result, the 2023 recreational quota was harvested quickly, and the recreational season lasted just 24 days.  To provide more harvest opportunities under these reduced quotas, the Council modified the recreational season to September 1 – October 31 in federal waters.  This change is pending approval and implementation by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce.  

FWC is considering modifying the greater amberjack recreational season in Gulf state waters to be consistent with the pending regulations in Gulf federal waters.  Consistent regulations can help prevent quota overages and early closures, while helping to rebuild the stock.   

Staff will present the proposed rule for final consideration at the May 2024 Commission meeting.  

To comment on this topic, please use the form below.

Other topics

The FWC will be reviewing several trap fisheries in the upcoming year including spiny lobster, blue crab, pinfish/baitfish, trap retrieval, recreational trap fisheries, and traps used for shellfish aquaculture leases.