FWC will consider new rules for red snapper harvested in Gulf of Mexico waters in an upcoming St. Pete meeting. Aligning state laws with pending permanent rules for red snapper in federal waters is among the agenda items to be considered.

As part of the changes, measures could reduce the daily recreational bag limit of Gulf red snapper from four fish to two fish per person, establish a zero daily bag limit for captains and crew (not clients) of Gulf charter vessels, and change the recreational fishing season from April 15 through Oct. 31, to June 1 through Sept. 15.

Other possible rule changes include a reduced minimum size of commercially harvested red snapper in the Gulf from 15 to 13 inches total length, and a reduced daily commercial bag and trip limit from four fish to two fish per day.

Legal tackle may change too. Additional proposals include required use of non-stainless steel circle hooks when fishing for reef fish with natural baits, and requisite venting tool and de-hooking devices onboard any vessels targeting reef fish.

Less fish-related proposals expected to be addressed include the reclassification of the Florida manatee from endangered to threatened, the gopher tortoise from a species of special concern to threatened and removal of bald eagles from the imperiled species list entirely.

The FWC will meet Sept. 12-14 at the St. Petersburg Hilton, located at 333 First St. South. The meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. all three days. To view the complete agenda go to www.MyFWC.com/commission.