FWC announces public meetings to discuss new freshwater commercial fishing updates
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will hold in-person public meetings to gather input on proposed rule amendments to freshwater commercial fishing regulations. Proposed updates would include implementation of an electronic trip ticket catch reporting system utilizing the VESL system currently used by saltwater commercial anglers, incorporation of quality control guidelines for all licensed freshwater commercial harvesters and updates to the Lake Okeechobee haul seine fishery. By incorporating the proposed modernizations into rule, the agency can acquire information about these fisheries to adapt to changing conditions, and support consistency and quality of freshwater products. Additional details regarding the proposed rule updates are provided at the Freshwater Commercial Fishing Regulations Update website.
FWC staff are providing opportunities at the locations below for additional public input before bringing final rule language for consideration at a future Commission meeting:
- Okeechobee County Civic Center, 1750 U.S. Highway 98 N., Okeechobee, FL 34972 (Feb. 24, 6-7:30 p.m.)
- Tenoroc PUA Hunter Education Room, 3755 Tenoroc Mine Road, Lakeland, FL 33805 (Feb. 25, 6-7:30 p.m.)
- Johns Water Management District Headquarters, 4049 Reid St., Palatka, FL 32177 (Feb. 26, 6-7:30 p.m.)
- Defuniak Springs Community Center, 361 N. 10th St., Defuniak Springs, FL 32433 (March 3, 6-7:30 p.m.)
RSVP with your desired location via email to Shelby.McCarty@MyFWC.com. For more information about the Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management, contact Michelle Kerr at 850-510-4776 or Michelle.Kerr@MyFWC.com.