Beginning October fifteenth leisure harvest of flounder might be closed in all Florida waters, that is each state and federal waters. This closure covers the three predominant species of flounder in Florida. The leisure harvest of Florida flounder will shut beginning October 15 and stay closed via November 30, after which reopen on December 1st. The closure applies to all authorized methods of catching flounder; be it gigging, seine nets, solid nets, or hook and line. That is to assist shield susceptible prespawn flounder as they collect earlier than group spawning.
Florida flounder is a broad time period that covers the three completely different species of flounder, the gulf flounder (Paralichthys albigutta), southern flounder (P. lethostigma), and summer season flounder (P. dentatis). Despite the fact that the gulf flounder title implies that it lives within the Gulf of Mexico, it may be caught in waters across the state of Florida. All three of the principle Florida Flounder species fall underneath the identical dimension restrict regulation of 14″ complete size and have the identical day by day leisure restrict of 5 per particular person per day.
This annual season closure and different administration measures on Florida flounder had been accredited by the Fee in December 2020. This was resulting from a sampling of the inventory exhibiting a inventory standing replace that recommended a declining pattern within the flounder shares. And factors to doubtless overfishing on the Atlantic coast of Florida. The leisure season closure will present some further safety to susceptible flounder throughout their pre-spawn aggregations. The opposite shares of flounder within the south Atlantic and Gulf have additionally reported a decline in flounder populations and can make their very own laws adjustments in due time in response. These bulletins might be made at different conferences by FWC.
To be taught extra about flounder laws, go to MyFWC.com/Marine, click on “Leisure Rules”, and choose “Flounder”.
