FISH and WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION / Marine Fisheries Chapter: OYSTERS

The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is holding a public workshop to gather input on recommendations for the management of commercial and recreational oyster harvest in Dixie, Levy, and Citrus counties. FWC staff are seeking input on recommendations to update oyster management, including changing the unattached undersized tolerance to 11 oysters per bag and the attached undersized tolerance to 33 oysters per bag; establishing a regional endorsement; a seasonal bag limit for recreational and commercial harvesters; changing the harvest season to be October 1 through the end of February; and requiring harvesters to report harvest. Staff will accept feedback on all subjects encompassed by the above-cited rules. During the in-person workshop, staff will deliver a presentation reviewing recommendations that staff are planning to bring before the FWC Commissioners. Public feedback gathered during this workshop will be considered while refining rule recommendations for the Commission to consider in 2027. A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting: Jessica McCawley, at 620 South Meridian St., Tallahassee, Florida 32399, (850) 487-0554, or Jessica.McCawley@MyFWC.com.