Marine Fisheries Workshops

The workshop scheduled for January 22, 2025, from 6:00-8:00pm at the Oceanway Community Center has been cancelled due to inclement weather.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is considering changes to shrimp harvest regulations in Nassau and Duval counties. The upcoming public workshop on January 22, 2025, to discuss these changes has been cancelled due to inclement weather. These stakeholder-requested proposed rule amendments include increasing the dead shrimp allowance for live bait harvesters from 1 gallon to 5 gallons and opening portions of the Pumpkin Hill Creek area off the Nassau River to recreational and commercial shrimp harvest from September through December.

To provide comment on this upcoming rulemaking, please visit MyFWC.com/SaltwaterComments or email Marine@MyFWC.com. Comments submitted to the FWC will be presented with proposed rules at the upcoming February 2025 Commission Meeting.

Check back for updates on potential 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.