FWC approves changes to grouper rules

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has decided to make its grouper rules in state waters compatible with federal regulations to help rebuild Gulf gag grouper stocks. The commission approved rules that establish a February 1st through March 31st closed spawning season for all recreational harvest of shallow-water groupers which includes gag, black, red, yellowfin, scamp, yellowmouth, rock hind and red hind. The new rules also decrease the daily recreational aggregate bag limit for grouper from five fish to four per person. The daily recreational bag limit for Gulf gag grouper is two fish per person within the aggregate limit, and anglers may also keep two Gulf red grouper within this limit. There will also be a change for commercial fishermen reducing the commercial minimum size limit for Gulf red grouper, and for all importation and sale of red grouper, from 20 inches to 18 inches total length. Commissioners said this will significantly reduce the number of 18- to 20-inch red grouper that do not survive upon release. The FWC's new Gulf grouper rules take effect in August.