FWC seeks public input on future management of oysters in the Big Bend region

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is holding public workshops to gather input on updating rules for the regulation and management of commercial and recreational wild oyster harvest in Dixie, Levy and Citrus counties.

During these workshops, staff will review the resource status in the region, the history of the Big Bend oyster fishery, participation in the fishery and restoration efforts. Staff will seek feedback on potential management actions, including changes to wild oyster harvest seasons, harvest limits, reporting requirements, licensing  and participation qualifications for commercial and recreational harvesters.

Workshop dates, locations, and times are as follows:

• Monday, Aug. 31 – Crystal River 6 -8 p.m. ET at the Coastal Region Library, 8619 W Crystal St., Crystal River, FL 34428
• Tuesday, Sept. 1 – Cross City 6 – 8 p.m. ET at the Dixie County Public Library, 16328 SE Hwy 19, Cross City, FL 32628
• Thursday, Sept. 3 – Bronson 6 – 8 p.m. ET at the UF/IFAS Bronson Extension Office, 625 N Hathaway Ave., Bronson, FL 32621

If you are unable to attend a workshop, you can view a recording of the workshop presentation after the workshops are complete by visiting MyFWC.com/SaltwaterWorkshops or going directly to the FWC Saltwater YouTube channel.

Public Comments can also be submitted by visiting MyFWC.com/Marine and selecting “Rulemaking: Submit a Comment/Attend a Workshop” under “Get Involved.”