FWC News

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• Give released reef fish a better chance: FWC, American Sportfishing Association, Coastal Conservation Association Florida remind anglers to carry barotrauma mitigation tools to help conserve reef fish

  Wednesday, March 29, 2023 -  Starting April 1, anglers fishing from a vessel targeting reef fish will be required to have on board a descending device or venting tool that is rigged and ready for use to help conserve reef fish in state waters.

• Save the date: FWC and Destin–Fort Walton Beach host 9th Annual Lionfish Festival May 20-21

  Tuesday, March 28, 2023 -  This outdoor event is free, open to the public and will feature family-friendly activities, art, diving and marine conservation booths, live music, fillet demonstrations, and the world’s largest lionfish tournament, the Emerald Coast Open.

• Recreational regulation changes for Atlantic red porgy start April 1

  Tuesday, March 28, 2023 -  The FWC recently approved recreational management changes for red porgy and several other reef fish to be consistent with recent federal changes.

• Spiny lobster season closes April 1

  Tuesday, March 28, 2023 -  The season will reopen Aug. 6 and the two-day recreational sport season is the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday of July, which is July 26 and 27 this year.

• Permit spawning season closure inside the Special Permit Zone starts April 1

  Monday, March 27, 2023 -  This closure includes all state and federal waters south of Cape Sable on the Gulf coast and south of Cape Florida on the Atlantic coast including all of the Florida Keys and Biscayne Bay south of Rickenbacker Causeway.

• FWC seeks contracted nuisance alligator trapper for Levy County

  Monday, March 27, 2023 -  Applicants must pass a criminal history check, have no fish or wildlife law violations and possess a valid, working email address.

• Catch some fun this weekend on license-free freshwater fishing days

  Monday, March 27, 2023 -  On these days, the fishing license requirement is waived for all recreational anglers, including residents and non-residents.

• The Florida Fishing Trail is coming soon to Hardee County!

  Friday, March 24, 2023 -  The Florida Fishing Trail will feature a series of freshwater lakes and is estimated to be complete in Spring 2024.

• Go slow and look out below – manatees are on the move

  Thursday, March 23, 2023 -  Spring is a particularly important season for boaters to go slow and lookout below for manatees as the slow-moving mammals naturally disperse from their winter refuges, traveling to other parts of the state and beyond.

• FWC seeks public comment on proposed designated anchoring areas in Monroe County

  Thursday, March 23, 2023 -  Due to changes to section 327.4108, Florida Statutes that the Legislature approved last year, the FWC will adopt rules establishing anchoring areas, along with maximum allowable vessel drafts, throughout Monroe County.