OAA Fisheries is seeking comments on a proposed rule for Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper. The rule, if implemented, would set the 2013 quotas for commercial and recreational red snapper harvest.

The Volusia County Port Authority, Ponce Inlet District, The Marine Science Center, The Halifax Sport Fishing Club and the Volusia County Reef Research Dive Team presented a seminar about the Volusia County Artificial Reef’s on Saturday, April 6, 2013.

State waters off the coast of Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson and Taylor counties will open to recreational harvest of gag grouper starting April 1.

Unnecessary and burdensome restrictions on lead in tackle are being proposed and implemented at an increasing rate. Already, strict bans have been implemented in five states and proposed in several others, despite the Environmental Protection Agency concluding on multiple occasions that sweeping bans on lead fishing tackle are unnecessary.

Panama City outdoorsman Bo Rivard has been appointed to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in an appointment shuffle…»

Everglades National Park is seeking public comment on its Draft General Management Plan / East Everglades Wilderness Study / Environmental Impact Statement (Draft GMP). The Draft GMP was released today for public review and public comment is requested by Sunday, May 12, 2013.

A feature article in the February 2013 issue of Florida Sportsman, “Back in the Blacktips,” told of increasing numbers of sharks along the Florida coasts, thanks to tighter limits on commercial landings.

Possession of 33 gigged redfish recently resulted in fines and jail time for two Fernandina Beach men.
George Bartchlette (DOB 07/16/39) and Ronald Waters (DOB 09/25/65) were caught by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers with 33 redfish taken by illegal method.

A federally mandated program designed to demolish decommissioned oil and gas rigs in the gulf is removing more than just aging iron, it’s killing thousands of red snapper and other ocean life.

On January 17, a bill was introduced in the state of Maine that would prohibit the use of all “rubber” lures. The legislation seeks to ban “rubber” baits but does not define the term.

SAFMC Accepting Public Comment on Snapper Grouper Regulatory Amendment 18 Amendment addresses management measures for vermilion snapper and red porgy  The South…»

Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management to Convene a Science Workshop of the Goliath Grouper Joint Council Steering Committee From Press…»

Competitors in the 2013 Python Challenge™ trekked through more than a million acres of swamps and sawgrass in search of the well-camouflaged Burmese python.

On February 13-14, 2013, FWC Commissioners will meet in Orlando to discuss a proposed rule 68B-2.010: Saltwater Game Fish and Sport Fish Designations. If you have not yet been filled in, the proposed rule intends to “highlight the unique and diverse recreational fishing opportunities that exist around the state and contribute to the state’s status as the “Fishing Capital of the World.”

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) just posted draft action plans to conserve 23 species of native wildlife and wants the public to weigh in by reviewing them online.

Several species of grouper, including black, red, yellowfin, scamp, yellowmouth, rock hind and red hind will close to recreational harvest from Feb. 1 through March 31 in Gulf of Mexico state and federal waters, excluding state waters of Monroe County.