FWC hosts public workshops to gather input on recreational Gulf gag grouper management

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will host a series of in-person public workshops and one virtual webinar to gather input from stakeholders that will help shape the recreational gag grouper fishery off Florida's Gulf coast.

• Feb. 23 - Crawfordville at Wakulla Environmental Institute, 170 Preservation Way, Crawfordville, FL 32327 from 6-8 p.m. ET
• Feb. 24 - Port St. Joe at Port Inn Hall & Chapel, 309 Sixth St., Port St. Joe, FL 32456 from 6-8 p.m. CT
• Feb. 25 - Destin at Destin Community Center, 101 Stahlman Ave., Destin, FL 32541 from 6-8 p.m. CT
• Feb. 26 - Steinhatchee at Steinhatchee Community Center, 1013 Riverside Drive, Steinhatchee, FL 32359 from 6-8 p.m. ET
• March 3 - Homosassa at Homosassa Public Library, 4100 S. Grandmarch Ave., Homosassa, FL 34446 from 6-8 p.m. ET
• March 4 - Tarpon Springs at Tarpon Springs Public Library, 138 E. Lemon St., Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 from 6-8 p.m. ET
• March 5 - Madeira Beach at Patricia A. Shontz Commission Chambers, 300 Municipal Drive, Madeira Beach, FL 33708 from 6-8 p.m. ET
• March 10 - Virtual Webinar: The virtual workshop will begin at 6 p.m. ET and conclude by 8 p.m. ET. To join the webinar, visit MyFWC.com/SaltwaterWorkshops on the day of the event for the link.

Although Gulf gag grouper remains overfished and is currently under a rebuilding plan, the FWC believes there are opportunities to improve access while continuing to support the stock's recovery. These workshops are intended to engage stakeholders and discuss future management options, including state management, for Gulf gag grouper. We encourage all anglers to attend and share their ideas to help inform the discussion.

For more information on these meetings, visit the Marine Fisheries Workshop page at MyFWC.com/SaltwaterWorkshops.

If you are unable to attend, you can provide input by submitting comments through our FWC Saltwater Public Comments page or by emailing [email protected].   

If you have any questions or need additional information, contact us at 850-487-0554 or [email protected].