FWC ANNOUNCES PUBLIC WORKSHOPS ON SPINY LOBSTER FISHERY

October 10, 2006
CONTACT: Lee Schlesinger (850) 487-0554

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has scheduled a series of seven public workshops to receive comment on the management of the spiny lobster fishery.

An ad hoc Spiny Lobster Advisory Board established by the FWC has been working during the past year to develop management recommendations as part of the Commission’s comprehensive evaluation of its spiny lobster management strategy. The FWC now is asking interested persons and groups to comment on these recommendations.

Issues to be discussed encompass all management aspects of commercial and recreational spiny lobster fisheries. Topics include allocation of landings among fishing sectors, season length, mechanisms to reduce lobster traps, license fee structure, the special two-day sport season, the commercial dive endorsement and other lobster fishing issues.

The public is encouraged to participate at the workshops, which will take place from 6-8 p.m. as follows:

Information regarding the Spiny Lobster Advisory Board and other material concerning spiny lobster management in Florida is available online at MyFWC.com/marine/workgroups/index.html#Spiny_Lobster. Contact Lee Schlesinger at (850) 487-0554 for information regarding the upcoming workshops.

Anyone requiring special accommodations to participate in the workshops should advise the agency at least five calendar days before the workshop by contacting Cindy Hoffman at (850) 488-6411. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service at (800) 955-8771 (TTY) or (800) 955-8770 (voice).