The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will host a public workshop in Destin this week as part of a statewide effort to gather input from stakeholders on the recreational gag grouper fishery off Florida’s Gulf coast.
- The Destin workshop is scheduled for Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. CT at the Destin Community Center, 101 Stahlman Ave.
The event is one of seven in-person workshops and one virtual webinar the FWC is holding across Florida through early March. Other in-person workshops are scheduled in Crawfordville, Port St. Joe, Steinhatchee, Homosassa, Tarpon Springs and Madeira Beach.
According to the FWC, Gulf gag grouper remains overfished and is currently under a rebuilding plan. However, the commission said it believes there are opportunities to improve access while continuing to support the stock’s recovery.
The workshops are intended to engage stakeholders and discuss future management options, including state management, for Gulf gag grouper. The FWC encouraged all anglers to attend and share their ideas to help inform the discussion.
- A virtual webinar is also scheduled for March 10 beginning at 6 p.m. ET. Those interested can visit MyFWC.com/SaltwaterWorkshops on the day of the event for the link to join.
Those unable to attend any of the workshops can submit comments through the FWC Saltwater Public Comments page or by emailing Marine@MyFWC.com. Additional questions can be directed to 850-487-0554 or Marine@MyFWC.com.
For more information on the workshops, visit MyFWC.com/SaltwaterWorkshops.
