Bay scallops photo by FWC/FWRI.
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At its February meeting near Tallahassee, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved regionally-specific bay scallop open season dates for 2018, including a change to the season for Levy, Citrus and Hernando counties that was proposed in December. The Commission also approved a trial bay scallop season in state waters off Pasco County in 2018.
The following regionally-specific bay scallop open seasons will be created by executive order for 2018 only:
These changes are for 2018 only. In late 2018 or early 2019, the FWC will consider setting the 2019 seasons for Gulf and Pasco counties, consider continuing the 2018 season structure for the remaining portions of the open scallop harvest area in 2019, and will work toward creating a more permanent season structure starting in 2020.
As the 2018 and 2019 seasons move forward, share your comments on what you would like to see for a future season structure at MyFWC.com/SaltwaterComments or by email atMarine@MyFWC.com. The FWC is very interested in understanding whether the public prefers regional differences in the season dates or if a consistent season across the harvest area is of greater value, as well as what season dates work best for various regions. Public feedback will be important for determining whether further changes are needed when making a decision about the long-term season dates.
For more information about bay scallops or to view the presentation given at the Commission meeting, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and select “Saltwater Fishing,” “Public Comments/Workshops,” “Comments,” and select the “February 2018 Commission meeting proposal” link under “Bay Scallops.”
Learn more about bay scallop regulations at MyFWC.com/Fishing, click on “Saltwater Fishing,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Bay Scallops.”
Map of 2018 seasons approved at February FWC meeting.
Media contact: Amanda Nalley, 850-410-4943 or Amanda.Nalley@MyFWC.com