FWC ANNOUNCES RED DRUM PUBLIC WORKSHOPS

CONTACT: Lee Schlesinger (850) 487-0554

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) invites the public to participate in any of nine upcoming workshops regarding management of red drum (redfish) in Florida.

The FWC is seeking comment on its recent red drum stock assessment, which concluded that while the management goal of 30 percent escapement is on target. However, increasing fishing effort could cause the escapement rate to decline below 30 percent by the next assessment in 2009. Escapement is the percentage of fish that avoid harvest by fishers.

A red drum workgroup recently established by the FWC has developed several management recommendations, including narrowing the current 18-27 inches total length slot limit, applying a one-month closure and increasing the management goal to 40 percent escapement. The FWC also is seeking comment from interested persons on those recommendations.

Detailed management options and the workgroup recommendations will be presented at the workshops, which will take place 6-8 p.m. local time as follows:

Information regarding the red drum workgroup and other material concerning red drum management in Florida is available online at MyFWC.com/marine/workgroups/index.html#Red_Drum. Contact Lee Schlesinger at (850) 487-0554 for information regarding the 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. Hearing- or speech-impaired persons can arrange assistance through the Florida Relay Service at (800) 955-8771 (TTY) or (800) 955-8770 (Voice).