Marine Fisheries Workshops

Western Dry Rocks Workshops

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) needs your input on a proposal for a seasonal fishing closure in a one-square-mile area near Western Dry Rocks.

This area is about 10 miles southwest of Key West and is an important spawning location for many recreationally and commercially important species such as snapper, grouper and permit. It is also a popular fishing location.

At its December meeting, the Commission approved a draft proposal for a two-month May 1 –  June 30 annual closure but directed staff to also gather input on other options including a four-month closure of April 1 – July 31. 

The protection of spawning aggregations, in combination with traditional management approaches (e.g., size limits, bag limits and vessel limits), represents a comprehensive conservation strategy aimed at sustaining and enhancing fish populations. 

Online workshops were held Jan. 11, 14 and 21. 

If you could not attend one of these workshops, view this recorded workshop presentation.

Written online comments can be submitted at MyFWC.com/SaltwaterComments.

Click here for draft rule and Western Dry Rocks coordinates. 

Western Dry Rocks Map and Coordinates