Marine Fisheries Workshops
Check back for updates on future workshops.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) wants to hear from you about cownose rays! Our researchers have documented declines in local abundance of cownose rays in some Florida estuaries, prompting staff to evaluate whether management changes are needed. FWC staff are considering a variety of management options to support the long-term sustainability of cownose rays in Florida. Your knowledge and on-the-water expertise are vital to evaluating potential regulatory changes.
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 all interested stakeholders with an interest in Florida’s cownose rays to join us for one of our two virtual public workshops:
- Thursday, May 21, 2026 - 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. ET
During these workshops, staff will review the status of the fishery, current regulations, and possible options for management options specific to cownose rays. After the presentation, the public can ask questions and provide public comment. Feedback from these workshops will help develop staff’s recommendations to the Commission for rule changes.
For details about Commission meetings, visit MyFWC.com/About/Commission/Commission Meetings.
If you cannot attend any of these workshops, a recording of the virtual public workshops will be available after the workshops conclude. Links to these recordings will be posted to this page when they become available.
To submit a written comment about cownose ray management, please visit the FWC Saltwater Comments webpage, or email Marine@MyFWC.com.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact us at 850-487-0554 or Marine@MyFWC.com.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) hosted 7 in-person public workshops and one virtual webinar from February 23 through March 10 to gather input from recreational anglers along Florida’s Gulf coast on what they would like to see for the future of the Gulf gag grouper fishery under state management.
If you were unable to attend, you can provide input by submitting comments through our FWC Saltwater Public Comments page or by emailing Marine@MyFWC.com.
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?
For questions, contact the Division of Marine Fisheries Management at (850) 487-0554.