The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has scheduled a public workshop, using video and telephone conferencing, to hear what people think about possible rule changes for permit, pompano and African pompano. There will be several locations around the state where you can take part in the workshop via a videoconference connection, or you can participate via a voice-only telephone line.
The FWC is considering applying permit and pompano regulations in federal waters adjacent to state waters, including the combined permit and pompano 6-fish daily recreational bag limit (with an allowance of 1 fish over 20 inches fork length), the pompano and permit slot limit of 11-20 inches fork length, and allowable recreational fishing gear for these species.
The FWC is also considering allowing spearfishing for permit in federal waters, establishing a commercial trip limit of 250 fish per day and allowing pompano endorsement holders to use allowable gear for pompano to catch permit inside the pompano endorsement zone.
In addition, the FWC is considering applying African pompano size and bag limits and fishing gear restrictions in federal waters for all harvesters. Spearfishing of African pompano in federal waters is also being considered.
The FWC encourages interested persons to attend the workshop at one of the videoconferencing sites listed below or via voice-only telephone line on Monday, July 12 from 6-9 p.m. EDT (5-8 p.m. CDT in Panama City). Contact the FWC at 850-487-0554 to confirm which of the following locations you plan to go to or to find out how to join the meeting via the voice-only line.
FWC Office
Berkeley Building
2590 Executive Center Circle E.
Tallahassee
FWC Northwest Regional Office
3911 Hwy. 2321
Panama City
FWC North Central Regional Office
3377 E. U.S. Hwy. 90
Lake City
FWC Northeast Regional Office
1239 S.W. 10th St.
Ocala
FWC Southwest Regional Office
3900 Drane Field Rd.
Lakeland
FWC South Regional Office
8535 Northlake Blvd.
West Palm Beach
FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
100 Eighth Ave., S.E.
St. Petersburg
FWC South Florida Regional Lab
Marathon Government Center
2796 Overseas Hwy.
Mile Marker 48.5
Marathon
Anyone requiring special accommodations to participate in the workshop should advise the FWC at least five days prior to the workshop by calling 850-488-6411. If you are hearing or speech impaired, contact the FWC using the Florida Relay Service at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or 800-955-8770 (voice).
More information regarding this workshop is available online at www.MyFWC.com/Rules; click on "Fishing - Saltwater."
