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FWC

Reef Rangers website is renovated, ready for more lionfish hunters

Posted on February 2, 2018

Divers and lionfish hunters: Do you have what it takes to become a Reef Ranger? The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has updated its Reef Rangers website(ReefRangers.com) and the program is ready for more participants.

Reef Rangers is a year-round lionfish removal program where individuals and teams of divers pledge to remove lionfish from adopted reef sites of their choice. You can compete with other harvesters for a top spot on the leadership board and network with other lionfish harvesters around the state. The program is a great way to practice your lionfish-harvesting skills before the 2018 Lionfish Challenge and Tagged-Lionfish Removal Incentive programs begin on May 19.

Targeted and consistent removals are known to have a positive impact on native species and habitat, which is why these programs are important and effective in controlling the lionfish population.

Explore the interactive map to see where others have been removing lionfish across Florida, and do your part to contribute to statewide removal efforts.

Sign up today to receive your very own Reef Rangers lionfish T-shirt, tank sticker and magnet, and continue your removals and harvest reports to earn more prizes.

Not a diver? You can also support a team by visiting our sponsorship page or support FWC lionfish control efforts by donating to our nonprofit organization, the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida.

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: FWC, Lionfish, Lionfish Removal, Reef Rangers

Greater amberjack season set to reopen May 1 in Gulf state waters

Posted on December 21, 2017

The greater amberjack recreational season in Gulf state waters will remain closed through April 30, and will reopen to harvest May 1-31 and Aug. 1-Oct. 31.

Greater amberjack is overfished and undergoing overfishing, and the season has closed increasingly early in recent years due to federal quotas being met or exceeded. This new season structure will optimize recreational fishing opportunities in both the spring and fall while minimizing harvest during the spawning season, helping to rebuild the stock.

For more information on greater amberjack, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Amberjack.”

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: Amberjack, Florida Wildlife Commission, FWC, Saltwater fishing

Conservation group honors Florida Youth Hunting Program coordinator

Posted on December 20, 2017

The Florida Sportsmen’s Conservation Association honored Jonathan Roberts for his efforts coordinating the Youth Hunting Program of Florida. The award, which was presented Dec. 6 at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) meeting in Gainesville, recognizes Robert’s commitment to getting more young people and their parents involved in hunting and conservation.

“Fewer young people today are experiencing the great outdoors, and it’s causing a huge disconnect between them and nature. Jonathan does an outstanding job coordinating all the resources and volunteers necessary to allow new hunters and their parents or guardians to safely experience hunting through the Youth Hunting Program,” said Steven Stroh, FSCA president.

Roberts, an FWC employee since 2014, oversees the statewide program, which provides safe, educational, mentored youth hunts. Youth between the ages of 12 and 17 accompanied by a parent or guardian can learn new outdoors skills during organized, family-oriented weekend hunts.

“I am humbled to receive this award on behalf of the Youth Hunting Program and FWC. I’m also honored to work with organizations such as FSCA,” Roberts said. “They generously provide volunteers who are fully committed to our mission of creating the next generation of conservationists. It’s partnerships like these that have allowed youth across the state to experience the tradition of hunting.”

The FSCA was founded in 1994 by a group of sportsmen who shared a vision for creating a conservation organization that would serve the needs of modern outdoor enthusiasts and their families. The organization aims to help protect and restore Florida’s unique natural resources for the enjoyment of future generations.

For more information about Florida’s Youth Hunting Program, go to MyFWC.com/YHPF.

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: Florida Wildlife Commission, FWC, Youth Hunting Program of Florida

FWC endorses national strategy aimed at conserving fish, wildlife

Posted on December 18, 2017

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) in July endorsed an ambitious national strategy, presented by The Blue Ribbon Panel on Sustaining America’s Diverse Fish and Wildlife Resources, to conserve fish and wildlife, keep thousands of U.S. species from becoming endangered, and leave a legacy of healthy wildlife populations for future generations.

The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, introduced on Dec. 14 by U.S. Reps. Jeff Fortenberry, R-NE, and Debbie Dingell, D-MI, would implement recommendations from the Blue Ribbon Panel, a coalition of business, energy and conservation leaders assembled by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. The Blue Ribbon Panel emphasized both the environmental and economic benefits of creating a long-term dedicated funding source to conserve the nation’s fish and wildlife.

“Currently there are major gaps in funding to sustain fish and wildlife species and keep them off the emergency list of endangered species,” said FWC Chairman Bo Rivard. “These species are important to our nation’s heritage and at the heart of how people connect to nature throughactivities such as boating, bird-watching, camping, fishing, hiking and biking.”

The Blue Ribbon Panel recommended dedicating $1.3 billion annually in existing revenue from the development of energy and mineral resources on federal lands and waters to provide funding to state fish and wildlife agencies to more fully implement well-established and widely supported state wildlife action plans. Under the act, Florida potentially could receive about $50 million a year to conserve and protect Florida’s most vulnerable species and their habitats through Florida’s Wildlife Legacy Initiative and State Wildlife Action Plan.

“For decades, wildlife conservation in the U.S. has largely depended on the unique and highly successful system where hunters and anglers willingly provide most of the funding for wildlife conservation work,” said FWC Executive Director Eric Sutton. “But we need to do more, and the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act would provide a sustainable, solution-based answer to funding conservation of fish and wildlife species.”

The FWC resolution requests support from Florida’s Congressional Delegation for the legislation implementing the Blue Ribbon Panel’s recommendations. The resolution also calls for support from Florida’s conservation community and other state fish and wildlife agencies.

The Alliance for America’s Fish & Wildlife (alliance), a coalition of the partners supporting this initiative, is using the theme “Our Nature. Our Nation. Our Future.” to summarize the seriousness of what is at stake. The alliance is actively working to inform the public about the importance of securing the fish and wildlife conservation funding proposed in the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act. According to the alliance, the act’s benefits include:

  • Funding conservation of over 12,000 species of fish and wildlife and their habitats across the U.S.
  • Supporting the outdoor recreational economy, which generates 7.6 million U.S. jobs and over $124 billion in tax revenue. In Florida, the combined economic impact of fishing, wildlife viewing, boating, hunting and the seafood industry is about $42.8 billion and over 347,000 jobs.
  • Helping families get back to nature and away from cellphones and computer screens. Children now spend an average of 50 hours a week on their electronic devices.

The FWC’s Florida’s Wildlife Legacy Initiative, which develops Florida’s State Wildlife Action Plan,is the well-established, state-based framework for implementing the Restoring America’s Wildlife Act in Florida and delivering on the commitment to conserve and restore Florida’s fish and wildlife resources.

For additional information, go to OurNatureUSA.com.

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: Blue Ribbon Panel, FWC, Recovering America's Wildlife Act

Several grouper closures start Jan. 1 in Gulf and Atlantic waters

Posted on December 18, 2017

Gag grouper will close to recreational harvest in Gulf state and federal waters Jan. 1, 2018. The same day, several species of grouper will also close to recreational and commercial harvest in Florida state waters of the Atlantic and all state waters off Monroe County. This seasonal closure includes gag, black, red, yellowmouth, and yellowfin grouper; scamp; red hind; rock hind; coney; and graysby.
State waters in the Atlantic are from shore out to 3 nautical miles. State waters off Monroe County extend to 3 nautical miles in the Atlantic and out to 9 nautical miles in the Gulf. Federal waters begin where state waters end and extend to 200 nautical miles.
For gag grouper, state waters off Franklin, Wakulla, Taylor and Jefferson counties will reopen to harvest April 1 through June 30 and Sept. 1 through Dec. 31. All other Gulf state waters (except waters off Monroe County, which follows the Atlantic state season) and all Gulf federal waters will reopen June 1 through Dec. 31.
Several species of grouper, including gag, will remain closed in Atlantic state waters and off Monroe County through April 30, reopening May 1. The harvest closure was established to ensure the long-term sustainability of Atlantic grouper species by protecting them during their spawning season. A similar closure will also occur in federal waters of the Atlantic.
Grouper information, including Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico grouper regulations, is available online. Go to MyFWC.com/Fishing and select “Saltwater Fishing” then “Recreational Regulations” and “Groupers.”

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: Atlantic waters, FWC, Gag grouper, Gulf waters

Gulf gray triggerfish reopens March 1, 2018

Posted on December 18, 2017

Recreational harvest of gray triggerfish will remain closed in Gulf state and federal waters through Feb. 28, 2018, reopening March 1. The season will also close June 1 through July 31.

When the season reopens, the daily recreational bag limit will be one fish per person (lowered from two fish earlier this year), and the minimum size limit will be 15 inches fork length (increased from 14 inches fork length earlier this year). Similar changes were approved for Gulf federal waters.

These changes should help maintain fishing opportunities for gray triggerfish in state and federal waters for 2018 and the future.

For more information on gray triggerfish, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Triggerfish.”

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: fishing, FWC, Gray triggerfish, Saltwater fishing, triggerfish

Gov. Scott: Florida Stands Ready to Help Puerto Rico Following Hurricane Maria

Posted on September 26, 2017

Gov. Scott: Florida Stands Ready to Help Puerto Rico Following Hurricane Maria

Asks Florida State Colleges and Universities to Offer In-State Tuition to Students from Puerto Rico

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott reaffirmed Florida’s commitment to supporting Puerto Rico following the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria. The Governor has notified the Florida National Guard and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) to be on standby for deployment following an official request for assistance from Puerto Rico, and the Florida National Guard is already actively assisting Puerto Rico with organizing and submitting relief requests. Governor Scott is asking Florida state colleges and universities to allow students displaced by the storm in Puerto Rico to be offered in-state tuition. Governor Scott also spoke with FEMA Administrator Brock Long today and with Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello before the storm made landfall last week to let them know that Florida stands ready to assist in any way possible throughout the recovery process.

 Governor Scott said, “The heartbreak that our friends in Puerto Rico are enduring following this devastating storm is unimaginable and our prayers are with every family who calls this beautiful island their home. This morning, I spoke with Brock Long to let him know that Florida stands ready to assist Puerto Rico in any way we can. Today, I directed the Florida National Guard and FWC to be prepared for deployment as soon as we receive a formal request for assistance from Puerto Rico. I am also asking all Florida state colleges and universities to offer in-state tuition to any student who was displaced from their home in Puerto Rico to make sure we are doing everything we can to help these families. 

“We know how important it is to share resources with our friends and neighbors during these times, and I was able to speak with Governor Rossello last week to tell him that Florida will provide whatever resources are needed to help families in Puerto Rico rebuild. Last week, I also had the opportunity to meet with Puerto Rican evacuees at Florida International University’s shelter and I was moved by their stories of strength and their determination to quickly return to and repair their homes. Their resilience after this tragedy is an inspiration to us all and Florida is proud to stand with Puerto Rico during this challenging time.”

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: Florida National Guard, FWC, Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico, Rick Scott

Gov. Scott Visits Utility Linemen in Collier County

Posted on September 25, 2017

IMMOKALEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott visited utility linemen in Collier County to thank them for their work restoring power to Florida homes and businesses. This week, Governor Scott announced that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will accept official utility workers’ identification in lieu of a Florida freshwater or saltwater fishing license through June 30, 2018, and that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is offering free day-passes to Florida State Parks that can be used on an unlimited basis until October 2018 for all utility workers.

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: Collier County, DEP, FWC, Hurricane Irma, Linemen, Rick Scott

Gov. Scott Announces License-Free Freshwater and Saltwater Fishing for Florida Law Enforcement and First Responders

Posted on September 21, 2017

SANFORD, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that Florida’s law enforcement officers and first responders will be able to enjoy license-free freshwater and saltwater fishing beginning today through June 30, 2018. This is in recognition of their lifesaving work preparing and responding to Hurricane Irma. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will accept official first responder identification in lieu of a Florida fishing license during this period. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is also offering free day-passes to Florida State Parks that can be used on an unlimited basis until October 2018 for all law enforcement officers, first responders and utility workers.

 Governor Scott said, “Before and after Hurricane Irma, Florida’s brave law enforcement officers and first responders have been tirelessly working around the clock to meet the needs of our families and communities. Even as their own families were evacuating or working to begin the recovery process, they have been putting their own lives on the line to keep our state safe. We owe these brave heroes a debt of gratitude, and I am proud to announce this license-free fishing opportunity as a gesture of appreciation and recognition for their service to our state.”

Brian Yablonski, FWC Chairman, said, “These true heroes of hurricane response efforts will be able to enjoy Florida’s world class freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities without buying a fishing license. It is our hope this small token of appreciation will give these dedicated men and women an opportunity to get a break from stressful recovery work so they can relax and enjoy good times fishing with family and friends.”

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: DEP, First Responders, FWC, Hurricane Irma, Rick Scott

Gov. Scott Directs FWC to Ease Regulations, Waive Fees for South Florida Commercial Fishing Industry Following Hurricane Irma

Posted on September 20, 2017

MARATHON, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott directed the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to implement several changes to help South Florida’s commercial fishermen recover from the effects of Hurricane Irma and get back to work. The elimination of these regulations combined with the waiving of fees will allow more commercial fishermen in South Florida, especially the Florida Keys, get back to work by easing certain tag requirements and allowing more cooperation in the industry. The Governor has been laser focused on ensuring that the entire state recovers from Hurricane Irma, as well as the Florida Keys, which was one of the hardest hit areas. The Governor has set a goal of October 1st to have the Keys open for business. 

Governor Scott said, “Hurricane Irma affected nearly our entire state, and we are aggressively working to make sure the every family and industry has the ability to recover quickly. This week, I’ve travelled across the state to tour damage and hear directly from families and communities on what we can do to help. The Florida’s commercial fishing industry plays a large role in our economy, and I am proud the FWC can waive fees and reduce regulations so they can get back to work.”

Brian Yablonski, Chairman of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, said, “FWC has been on the front lines of Florida’s preparedness, response and recovery to Hurricane Irma. By partnering with the Governor and helping get South Florida commercial fishermen and women back on the water, we are demonstrating our commitment to Florida’s full recovery. As a Commission, we are glad to reduce these regulations and waive fees so this important livelihood can begin to move forward.”

This action includes extending the renewal period for some commercial fishing permits set to expire Sept. 30, 2017 and relaxing regulations for commercial lobster harvesters in Collier, Dade and Monroe counties by not requiring traps to be tagged until Dec. 1, 2017. This allows commercial fisherman to replace traps that were lost in the storm while waiting for no-cost replacement tags. Fees for replacement tags have also been waived. The orders also allow for authorized commercial fishers to cooperate with each other to retrieve trap gear from the water and return it to the owner. The commercial harvest of spiny lobster has a dockside value of more than $40 million dollars per year.

EO 17-42 – Hurricane Irma: Regulatory Relief for Commercial Fishers Statewide http://myfwc.com/media/4293035/EO17-42.pdf 

EO 17-43 – Hurricane Irma: Regulatory Relief for Commercial Spiny Lobster Trap Fishers in Collier, Dade and Monroe countieshttp://myfwc.com/media/4293038/EO17-43.pdf 

Filed Under: Featured Tagged With: FWC, Hurricane Irma, Rick Scott, South Florida

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