A workshop

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is hosting a public workshop on March 16th to gather public input on the Gulf of Mexico recreational red snapper season in state waters (from shore out to 9 nautical miles).

At the workshop, staff will gather public input on a proposed 2015 season that would start the Saturday before Memorial Day (May 23) and run through Sunday, July 12, resume for all of Labor Day weekend (Sept. 5-7) and finish with Saturdays and Sundays throughout September and October, with the last day of harvest being Sunday, Nov. 1. This proposed season would be 70 days. This season was the preferred option discussed by FWC Commissioners during their February meeting in Jacksonville.

The 2014 season in Gulf state waters began the Saturday before Memorial Day and remained open through July 14 (a total of 52 days). Staff will present workshop results to the Commission at its April meeting in Tallahassee. The Commission will take final action on setting the 2015 Gulf red snapper state season during the April meeting.

This workshop will be held at St. Petersburg, Fish & Wildlife Research Institute, 3rd floor #3A and 3B, 100 Eighth Ave. SE

Red snapper is a popular species that has a strong economic impact for many coastal communities throughout Florida.

For more information, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater,” “Rulemaking” and “Upcoming Public Workshops” or call 850-487-0554.