It's time for Florida fishermen to register for the Gulf Reef Fish Survey

The Florida Fish and wildlife Conservation Commission is reminding gulf reef fishermen to register for the Gulf Reef Fish Survey.

Registering for the survey becomes mandatory on April 1st.

The survey will help the FWC get a clearer picture of how many people are targeting Gulf reef fish, like red snapper and gag grouper, and what fishermen are seeing on the water.

Researchers say the survey will help improve recreational data collection allowing for more informed fisheries management decisions.

The Survey is for people who fish the gulf from private boats and target reef fish including red and vermilion snapper; gag; black and red grouper; gray triggerfish; and greater and lesser amberjack.

You can sign up on-line at License.MyFWC.com.

You can also sign up in person at tackle shops, sporting goods stores and your local tax collector’s office, or by phone at 1-888-FISHFLORIDA.

Many of those who sign up for the Gulf Reef Fish Survey will be contacted by the FWC and asked if they would be willing to provide information about their Gulf reef fish fishing activities.

Participants who are contacted by the FWC and do provide information about their Gulf reef fishing activities will be entered into a drawing to win an annual, five-year or lifetime recreational saltwater fishing license.

The program is funded through a five-year National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Gulf restoration grant.

There is a five-year sunset clause so that when the grant funding ends, the program will be evaluated and reconsidered.

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