NEWS RELEASE

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

March 13, 1998

CONTACT: Henry Cabbage (850) 488-4676

GFC RESTRUCTURES FISHERIES RULES

The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, today approved a thorough restructuring of fisheries rules, proposed by the agency's staff in an effort to harness the latest technology in fisheries management.

Commissioners voted to establish a daily bag limit of 25 black crappie (speckled perch) statewide. Previously, black crappie counted in the daily bag limit of 50 panfish, but under the new rule, anglers will be able to catch the daily limit of 25 crappie in addition to the daily limit of 50 panfish (bream).

Also, the Commission adopted a staff proposal to eliminate the daily bag limits for chain and redfin pickerel.

Bag limits, size limits, slot limits and other regulations on fish management areas, however, would differ considerably from these statewide rules. Anglers still would need to check rules for individual fish management areas before taking to the water.

Another new rule repeals the prohibition against use of gigs to take catfish and would authorize gigging at night for all nongame fish.

Commissioners also adopted an assortment of rule changes to set hunting dates, bag limits and other regulations on Type I and Type II wildlife management areas and on wildlife and environmental areas.

Other rule changes establish new procedures to make it easier for alligator trappers and alligator egg and hatchling collectors to comply with regulations and reduce the cost of hide validation fees for nuisance-alligator trappers.

In addition, Commissioners recognized retired education specialist Rudy Howell for his 34 years of service and retired Wildlife Officer Tom Largent for his 31 years of service.

The next Commission meeting will take place May 21-22 at Cocoa Beach. All FWC meetings are open to the public.