Marine Fisheries Workshops

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is hosting a series of in-person public workshops and one virtual webinar to gather input from anglers that will help shape the recreational gag grouper fishery off Florida’s Gulf coast, including state management.

FWC recognizes that the current management structure for Gulf gag grouper has been challenging for anglers. Although the stock remains in a rebuilding period, FWC believes there are opportunities to improve access while continuing to support the stock’s recovery.

With additional quota expected for 2026, now is an important time to consider what anglers want out of their gag grouper fishery and how FWC can work towards meaningful management improvements. Specifically, we want to hear your ideas and feedback to 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?

Workshop Schedule

• Feb. 23 – Crawfordville at Wakulla Environmental Institute, 170 Preservation Way, Crawfordville FL 32327 from 6-8 pm ET
• Feb. 24 – Port St. Joe at Port Inn Hall, 309 6th Street, Port St. Joe, FL 32456 from 6-8 pm CT
• Feb. 25 – Destin at Destin Community Center, 101 Stahlman Avenue, Destin, FL 32541 from 6-8 pm CT
• Feb. 26 – Steinhatchee at Steinhatchee Community Center, 1013 Riverside Drive, Steinhatchee, FL 32359 from 6-8 pm ET
• March 3 – Homosassa at Homosassa Public Library, 4100 S. Grandmarch Avenue, Homosassa FL 34446 from 6-8pm ET
• March 4 – Tarpon Springs at Tarpon Springs Public Library, 138 East Lemon Street, Tarpon Springs FL 34689 from 6-8 pm ET
• March 5 – Madeira Beach at Patricia Shontz Commission Chambers, 300 Municipal Drive, Madeira Beach FL 33708 from 6-8 pm ET
• March 10 – Virtual Webinar, Webinar link will be posted here the day of the meeting

If you are unable to attend, you can provide input by submitting comments through our FWC Saltwater Public Comments page or by emailing Marine@MyFWC.com.