The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has announced a series of in-person public meetings to collect public input on proposed updates to freshwater commercial fishing regulations.
The proposed rule amendments include:
- Implementation of an electronic trip ticket catch reporting system using the VESL platform, which is already in use for saltwater commercial anglers.
- Incorporation of quality control guidelines for all licensed freshwater commercial harvesters.
- Updates to the Lake Okeechobee haul seine fishery.
These modernizations aim to improve data collection on these fisheries, enable adaptation to changing conditions, and promote consistency and quality in freshwater products. Additional details on the proposed changes are available on the FWC’s Freshwater Commercial Fishing Regulations update website.
The FWC is hosting the following public meetings for stakeholder input prior to final rule consideration at a future Commission meeting:
- Tenoroc PUA Hunter Education Room, 3755 Tenoroc Mine Road, Lakeland, FL 33805 — February 25, 6-7:30 p.m.
- Okeechobee County Civic Center, 1750 U.S. Highway 98 N., Okeechobee, FL 34972 — February 24, 6-7:30 p.m.
- St. Johns River Water Management District Headquarters, 4049 Reid St., Palatka, FL 32177 — February 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 for your preferred location by emailing 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.
The Lakeland meeting on February 25 at the Tenoroc Public Use Area provides a local opportunity for residents and stakeholders in Polk County and surrounding areas to participate.
SOURCE: FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
