FWC meeting Sept 17-18

[BrownTown]

The Fall meeting with be held on Duck Key, and unfortunately it looks like it will be televised but it won't have an interactive online meeting. TheFloridaChannel.org

To provide public comments prior to meeting: Online Form FWC

Pertinent Topics: 

• Update on the Florida Keys. Staff will review and provide a presentation of ongoing issues relevant to the Florida Keys region, including updates on coral reef monitoring and restoration efforts, Monroe County habitat support structures, and management agreements with the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 
• Update on Biscayne National Park. Staff will provide an update on efforts to monitor fish in BNP as part of the FWC and National Park Service’s Science Plan to assess the effectiveness of fishery management changes. In 2020, the Commission implemented special fishing regulations for BNP in support of the park’s Fishery Management Plan’s goals to increase fish size and abundance within the park.
• Update on Hurricane Response. Staff will provide an update on agency response during the 2024 hurricane season.
• Proposed Rule – Marine Special Activity License (SAL) Program. The Marine SAL program issues licenses to accommodate activities requiring exemptions from state marine fisheries regulations, such as scientific research, education, exhibition, and the release of marine organisms including the outplanting of coral for restoration.
• Stone Crab Update. The Commission implemented a suite of regulation changes in 2020 to help increase the stone crab population and add resiliency to the fishery.
• Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (GMFMC) Report. Staff will report on actions and discussions from the GMFMC’s June and August 2024 meeting. Expected topics will include red snapper, several grouper species, mackerel, wahoo and other updates on topics relevant to Florida.
• Update on Smalltooth Sawfish Monitoring and Research. Staff will provide an overview of FWC’s Smalltooth Sawfish Research conducted by FWRI’s marine Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) program. Information will be presented on the smalltooth sawfish’s conservation status and associated management and research priorities.