Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Marine Fisheries Management

For assistance, call 850-487-0554 or visit https://myfwc.com/about/inside-fwc/mfm/

What is the purpose of the program?

The purpose of the commission's Marine Fisheries Management Program is to facilitate the responsible and sustained use of Florida's marine life resources.

What services are provided by the program?

The program's services include
  • developing recommendations for managing commercial and recreational saltwater fisheries resources;
  • distribution of federal funds for declared fisheries disasters; 
  • providing educational services and outreach to recreational anglers and commercial fishermen;
  • serving as a liaison to federal agencies and fishery management councils on marine issues;
  • assisting in the development and monitoring of artificial reefs in Florida; and
  • trap retrieval, issuing Special Activities Licenses, and conducting audits on commercial fishery houses.

What types of licenses and permits are required for saltwater fishing?

Individuals 16 years of age and older and less than 65 years of age are required to obtain a recreational saltwater fishing license and any associated permits; exemptions may apply. Residents saltwater fishing from land or from a structure fixed to the land may either choose to obtain the license required above or obtain an annual resident shoreline fishing license. A commercial saltwater products license and associated endorsements are required for individuals harvesting saltwater products within state waters, when they intend to sell the products.

What is the status of Florida's marine fisheries?

Commission data indicate that 98% of Florida's marine fisheries stocks were increasing or stable in Fiscal Year 2021-22.

How are these activities funded?

Fiscal Year: 2023-24
Fund Dollars Positions
PROGRAM: MARINE FISHERIES
MARINE FISHERIES MANAGEMENT
36,120,696
34.00
TOTAL
36,120,696
34.00

Updates

Red snapper. Florida was delegated authority to set the private recreational red snapper seasons in both state and adjacent federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico in 2020. For 2023, Florida will have the longest season since the commission began managing the season in state and federal waters at 70-days and will include a summer and fall season. Florida is managing Gulf recreational red snapper harvest for the long-term, including data collection and quota monitoring. This season does not apply to commercial fishermen or for-hire/charter vessels with a valid federal Gulf of Mexico Charter/Headboat Permit for Reef Fish.

Goliath Grouper Harvest. The first limited-entry recreational harvest opportunity for goliath grouper occurred in 2023. Up to 200 participants were awarded a harvest permit and tag through a random-draw lottery. Harvesters were required to collect and submit biological information from the goliath they harvested. This was the first opportunity to harvest goliath grouper in Florida since 1990.

Inshore Fisheries Regional Management. The commission has implemented a new management approach for redfish (red drum) that uses six management metrics in nine regions. This approach incorporates a holistic review of ecological and human factors, which allows the commission to better respond to issues on a local scale. Regional regulations are based upon review of these new metrics. The commission is currently considering a similar management approach for snook.

Descending Devices and Venting Tools. Increasing the survival of released reef fish is a top priority management issue in both the Gulf and South Atlantic. As reef fish are reeled up from depth, they can suffer pressure-related injuries known as barotrauma. These injuries include the stomach protruding out of the mouth, bulging eyes, bloated belly, distended intestines, and inability to swim down independently. If not treated correctly, barotrauma can be lethal to reef fish.

To help improve released reef fish survival, the commission approved new regulations in April 2023 requiring the possession of a descending device that is rigged and ready for use on board a vessel when harvesting or attempting to harvest, including catch-and-release, of reef fish in state waters. The rule also requires the use of a descending device or venting tool if a fish is exhibiting signs of barotrauma prior to release.

Where can I find related OPPAGA reports?

A complete list of related OPPAGA reports is available on our website.

Where can I get more information?

What are the applicable statutes?

Section 20.331 and Ch. 379, Florida Statutes

Whom do I contact for help?

Jessica McCawley, Director, Marine Fisheries Management, 850-487-0554, email: jessica.mccawley@myfwc.com
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