The FWC recently extended this order to enable FWC Commissioners to hear a report by staff at their Sept. 2 public meeting in Pensacola Beach regarding the latest information on the status of the snook population. They will also receive public input and determine whether to reopen the fall harvest season or continue to prohibit harvest and possession of snook as a precautionary measure, and consider a range of snook management options covering the next 12 months.
While the temporary harvest prohibition remains in effect, no person may harvest or possess snook in state or federal waters off Florida. The FWC may reopen the fishery, if warranted, before the order expires or, if necessary, the agency may extend the closure by issuing another executive order.
Anglers may still catch and release snook during the closure, and the FWC encourages everyone to handle and release these fish carefully to help ensure their survival upon release.
More information regarding this issue <http://myfwc.com/docs/CommissionMeetings/2010/2010_Sep_Snook_presentation.pdf> is available online from the agenda for the Sept. 1-3 meeting at MyFWC.com/Commission.
You need to be a member of The Coastal Star to add comments!
Replies