3/5/2007

FWC announces snook workshop in Fort Pierce
Contact: Lee Schlesinger (850) 487-0554

Anglers can learn about snook, and then talk about snook, during a weekend public workshop later this month in South Florida. The event, hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), will take place Saturday, March 24 from 1-5:30 p.m. at the St. Lucie County Commission Chambers, 2300 Virginia Ave. in Fort Pierce.

An informational forum on snook biology and the types of data FWC uses to develop the snook stock assessment will run from 1-3. The public will then get a chance to comment on the management of snook in Florida from 3:30-5:30.

Anglers and other interested persons may offer their views on proposed recommendations by the FWC Snook Workgroup, which includes maintaining the current management goal for snook, lowering the daily bag limit to one fish on the East Coast, and possibly changing the fishing season and the slot limit.

Information regarding the workgroup and other materials concerning snook management in Florida are available online at MyFWC.com/marine/workgroups/index.html#Snook. Contact Lee Schlesinger at (850) 487-0554 for general information regarding the workshop.

Anyone requiring special accommodations to participate in the workshop 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, contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service at (800) 955-8771 (TTY) or (800) 955-8770 (voice).