The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), at its April meeting near Tallahassee, moved forward unanimously with a proposal to make Tarpon and Bonefish catch-and-release-only fisheries.

Undercover video shows thousands of pounds of dead fish, mostly red snapper, floating to the surface after one of the controversial demolitions in the Gulf—not only is it killing fish, but destroying their habitat forever.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is hosting two webinars in December to gather public testimony and input on the potential creation of saltwater game fish and sport fish designations.

The online meetings are from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 10 and 12. To participate in a webinar, visit http://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/rulemaking/workshops/ at the start of each meeting

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) honored Florida’s heroes on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, by implementing changes to commercial licensing requirements. The changes make it easier for Florida veterans and veterans with disabilities to enter the commercial fishing industry.

Governor Rick Scott said, “We have a tremendous opportunity not only to give thanks to the men and women that served our nation so courageously, but also to provide them with more support so they can pursue careers in fishing here in Florida. This initiative will expand job opportunities for our veterans and get more folks involved in the commercial fishing industry, which is a win-win for Florida.”

Volunteers Needed!

Attention Divers! Boaters! Non-Divers! Nice People! Friends of the Anclote!  Anclote Key needs you!  

On Saturday, September 22nd from 1-5 pm, Gulfantatics Dive Club 

http://www.narcosisscuba.com/about-us/gulfanatics (Narcosis Scuba/Tarpon Springs) is organizing it's latest Coastal Cleanup and Picnic.

Both land and water will be "cleaned" - including the island lake the island beach and the dive site on Anclote Key.  

This is a great opportunity to "give back," get wet, and have fun.

The plan is to embark on the cleanup first, then enjoy lunch while we measure and log the debris. 

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has announced changes to the lionfish harvest. Harvesting invasive lionfish no longer will require a fishing license when using certain gear, and there is no recreational or commercial bag limit.

The FWC is taking these actions to encourage more Floridians and visitors to harvest lionfish.

The recreational harvest season for Snook opened Sept. 1 in Florida’s Atlantic coastal and inland waters, including Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee River. The season remains closed in all Gulf of Mexico waters, including Everglades National Park and Monroe County, through Aug. 31, 2013.

Anglers may report their catch on the Snook Gamefish Foundation’s website at Snookfoundation.org by clicking on “Angler Action.” This information is important to the FWC in completing stock assessments on species such as Snook.

Rep. Steven Palazzo (R-Miss.) is circulating a letter to members of Congress and inviting them to join a call for a temporary moratorium on rig removals related to the Idle Iron Policy. A moratorium is needed to allow time to develop a thoughtful, rational process to evaluate those structures and keep as many as safely possible in the water. The deadline for your Congressmen to sign on in support of protecting that habitat is July 17.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) voted to keep the recreational harvest of snook in Gulf of Mexico waters closed for another year to offer the species additional protection after a 2010 cold kill detrimentally affected the population.

After determining that two years of season extensions did not significantly impact the bay scallop population, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) decided June 28 to permanently extend the recreational season by adding two weeks to the end.

The decision was made at the Commission meeting in Palm Beach Gardens. Commissioners also directed staff to look into the possibility of a future commercial harvest of bay scallops. The commercial harvest of bay scallops has been closed in Florida state waters since 1994.