Harvest of red grouper and lane snapper reopens

Harvest of red grouper and lane snapper will reopen in Gulf state waters on Jan. 1, after early season closures.

The FWC is committed to collecting critical recreational harvest fishing data to inform management of popular reef fish, including red grouper. The State Reef Fish Survey provides the FWC with a clearer picture of stock health, so please make sure you are signed up as a State Reef Fish Angler. This designation is required for recreational anglers and spearfishers who intend to fish for or harvest certain reef fish species from a private vessel in Florida. To learn more about the State Reef Fish Survey, visit MyFWC.com/SRFS.

For more information on recreational regulations for red grouper, visit “http://MyFWC.com/Marine” rel=”noopener noreferrer” target=”_blank”>MyFWC.com/Marine and click on “Recreational Regulations,” “Reef Fish” and then “Grouper.” For more information on recreational lane snapper regulations, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on “Recreational Regulations,” “Reef Fish” and then “Snapper.” You can also download the Fish Rules App to keep up to date on current fishing regulations while on the water.

Recreational harvest of gag grouper and gray triggerfish closed

Recreational harvest of gag grouper and gray triggerfish closes in Gulf state waters on Jan. 1. Recreational harvest of gag grouper for all Gulf state waters, excluding Monroe County, will open on Sept. 1, 2023.

This modification of the Gulf gag grouper recreational season was approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at its July 2022 meeting in order to reduce overfishing and improve gag grouper abundance. Recreational harvest of gray triggerfish in Gulf state waters will open on March 1, 2023.

The FWC is committed to collecting critical recreational harvest fishing data to inform management of popular reef fish, including gag grouper. The State Reef Fish Survey provides the FWC with a clearer picture of stock health, so please make sure you are signed up as a State Reef Fish Angler. This designation is required for recreational anglers and spearfishers who intend to fish for or harvest certain reef fish species from a private vessel in Florida. To learn more about the State Reef Fish Survey, visit MyFWC.com/SRFS.

For more information on recreational grouper regulations, visit “http://MyFWC.com/Marine” rel=”noopener noreferrer” target=”_blank”>MyFWC.com/Marine and click on “Recreational Regulations,” “Reef Fish” and then “Grouper.” For more information on recreational gray triggerfish regulations, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on “Recreational Regulations,” “Reef Fish” and then “Triggerfish.” You can also download the Fish Rules App to keep up to date on current recreational regulations while on the water.

State wildlife alert system now available

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conser-vation Commission’s Wildlife Alert System is using a safe and effective new system for submitting anonymous tips. The public can contact FWC Law Enforcement by downloading the iPhone or Android app “FWC Wildlife Alert.”

The new Tip411 system will enable the public to anonymously communicate with members of FWC law enforcement via text, which will allow officers to receive the information they need to address violations more quickly and efficiently. The system replaces the Tip@MyFWC.com text and email functions, which have been phased out of operation.

You can still submit anonymous text tips by text, phone or via the FWC website.

To report a violation, you can use any one of these methods:

• Download the iPhone or Android “FWC Wildlife Alert” app from your phone’s app store.

• Send a text to 847411 (Tip411) with keyword “FWC” followed by the location and any information you can about the violation.

• Call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922).

• Submit a tip online at MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert.

“We are excited to begin using the new Tip411 system to connect the public and FWC law enforcement,” Wildlife Alert Board Chair Virginia “Jenny” Brock said. “We believe in this digital age the text and app options will increase public safety and conservation efforts by encouraging more people to report violations.”

The Wildlife Alert program began over 30 years ago to encourage the public to contact FWC with information regarding wildlife violations. When the information leads to a citation or arrest the tipster is eligible to receive reward money ranging from $100-$1,000. The program is administered by the Wildlife Alert Reward Association, which is funded primarily by court ordered fines paid by violators. The members of the association promote the program and raise private, tax deductible, charitable donations to supplement the rest of the fund.