FWC wants your input on future management of cownose rays

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is holding virtual workshops to gather public input on staff recommendations to establish saltwater fishing regulations for cownose rays. Staff will recommend proposed final rules to the Commission at their August meeting. Feedback received during workshops will be considered ahead of the Commission meeting and provided to Commissioners as they consider voting on the proposed final rules.

Currently, there are no saltwater fishing regulations specific to cownose rays. FWC data indicate that cownose ray abundance has declined in some Florida estuaries. Regulations specific to cownose rays could establish conservation measures and prevent or slow further declines.

FWC staff are seeking feedback on recommendations to establish a recreational bag limit of two rays per person or vessel, whichever is less; a commercial bag limit of 20 per commercial harvester or vessel, whichever is less; possession limits; and allowable gear and methods of harvest. The public is encouraged to attend one of FWC’s virtual workshops on this topic, which will begin at 6 p.m. and conclude by 8 p.m. ET. More details about the workshops are listed below:

Tuesday, July 14
Virtual Webinar: To join, visit the webpage on the day of the workshop:
MyFWC.com/SaltwaterWorkshops

Thursday, July 16
Virtual Webinar: To join, visit this webpage on the day of the workshop:
MyFWC.com/SaltwaterWorkshops

If you are unable to attend a workshop, you can view a recording after the workshops are complete by visiting MyFWC.com/SaltwaterWorkshops or going directly to the FWC Saltwater YouTube channel. Comments can also be submitted at MyFWC.com/Saltwater-Public-Comments.

For more information on FWC Commission meetings, visit MyFWC.com/Commission-Meetings.