Grouper and snapper season changes, Jan. 1, Gulf and Atlantic waters
Diagram of gag grouper, top, and red snapper, bottom, by NOAH Fisheries.
Several species of grouper and snapper will either open or close to harvest in Gulf and Atlantic state waters starting Jan. 1.
GULF OF MEXICO
Red grouper will reopen to recreational harvest in Gulf state waters (excluding Monroe County).
Blackfin, silk, queen and wenchman snappers will reopen to recreational and commercial harvest in Gulf state waters.
Gag grouper will close to recreational harvest in Gulf state waters.
ATLANTIC OCEAN
Gag, black, red, yellowmouth and yellowfin grouper; scamp; red hind; rock hind; coney; and graysby will close to recreational and commercial harvest in Atlantic state waters (including Monroe County).
SALTWATER FISHING REGULATIONS & FISH RULES APP
For more on recreational saltwater fishing regulations here: www.eregulations.com/florida/saltwater, or or download the Fish Rules App at
fishrulesapp.com, at Instagram.com/FishRulesApp, or Facebook.com/FishRulesApp.
ATLANTIC OCEAN - BE ALERT TO NORTH ATLANTIC RIGHT WHALES
If you are boating or fishing in the Atlantic this winter, please be on the lookout for North Atlantic Right Whales. These endangered mammals are extremely hard to spot and collisions have caused costly damage to boats, put passengers and crew at risk, and injured and killed right whales. With fewer than 350 left, right whales are one of the world's most endangered large whale species.
Learn more about what you can do to prevent right whale collisions here: myfwc.com/research/wildlife/right-whales/.