Marine Fisheries Workshops
Check back for updates on future workshops.
The virtual workshop scheduled for October 10, 2024, has been rescheduled for October 24, 2024.
The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is considering changes to rules governing the Marine Special Activity License (SAL) program (chapter 68B-8, Florida Administrative Code) and is holding a virtual public workshop to gather public input. Proposed changes include updates to eligibility requirements, license periods, and license conditions; updates to the SAL program administration process; streamlining the FWC Law Enforcement notification process; repealing the Dredge SAL; and updating the Aquaculture Broodstock Collection and Stock Collection and Release SALs.
Updates to the Aquaculture Broodstock Collection SAL include expanding the eligibility requirements to include certified marine plant producers.
Updates to the Stock Collection and Release SAL include expanding eligibility requirements, removing the requirement for a Release Authorization and instead requiring a Veterinary-Client-Patient-Relationship (VCPR) with a veterinarian, identifying license conditions that may be placed on a license, and providing for emergency response activities.
Staff will provide a brief presentation on proposed rule updates. Public feedback gathered during this workshop will be considered when developing rule recommendations for the Commission. Ideas for additional improvements to the SAL program are welcome and encouraged.
Staff held a virtual public workshop on October 24, 2024. If you were unable to attend the workshop, a recording is available courtesy of The Florida Channel
After viewing the video, please share your comments by visiting the FWC saltwater comments page: MyFWC.com/SaltwaterComments/, or email Marine@MyFWC.com. Public feedback will inform the final rule proposals the FWC Commissioners will consider at their December 2024 Commission meeting.
This workshop is scheduled for November 21, 2024, from 6:00-8:00pm at the Oceanway Community Center (12215 Sago Ave W, Jacksonville, FL 32218).
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is hosting a workshop to discuss stakeholder-requested changes to commercial shrimp regulations in northeast Florida. These requested changes include increasing the dead shrimp allowance for live bait harvesters from 1-gallon to 5-gallons, opening portions of the Pumpkin Hill Creek area off the Nassau River to recreational and commercial shrimp harvest, allowing frame nets as a legal commercial gear in Volusia County, and allowing cast nets as a legal commercial shrimp harvesting gear in the St. Johns River.
Staff will provide a brief presentation on the requested changes. Public feedback gathered during this workshop will inform potential rule development, which may be presented to the FWC Commissioners for consideration at a future Commission meeting. Ideas for additional improvements to northeast inshore shrimp regulations are welcome and encouraged.
For questions, contact the Division of Marine Fisheries Management at (850) 487-0554.