The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is holding workshops to gather public input on potential management actions being considered for the 2016 bay scallop season in St. Joseph Bay and Gulf County. Scientific monitoring of bay ...

 

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Marine Fisheries

The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announces public meetings to which all persons are invited.

DATES AND TIMES: May 24, 2016, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., ET; June 13, 2016, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., ET

PLACE: May 24, 2016 - Capital City Bank conference room, 2nd floor, 504 Monument Ave., Port St. Joe, FL 32456; June 13, 2016- Capital City Bank conference room, 2nd floor, 504 Monument Ave., Port St. Joe, FL 32456

GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED: The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is holding workshops to gather public input on potential management actions being considered for the 2016 bay scallop season in St. Joseph Bay and Gulf County. Scientific monitoring of bay scallops in St. Joseph Bay indicates that the bay scallop population has declined severely due to impacts from a prolonged red tide bloom that occurred from September through December of 2015. This red tide bloom occurred during the time period when scallops normally spawn and scallop larvae settle in that area. FWC will be gathering public comments about the best course of action to ensure the future health of the fishery, while minimizing negative impacts to the local economy. Anyone with concerns related to this topic or who would like to share their ideas is encouraged to attend.

A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting: Jessica McCawley, 2590 Executive Center Circle East, Suite 201, Tallahassee, Florida 32301, [phone].

Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this workshop/meeting is asked to advise the agency at least 5 days before the workshop/meeting by contacting: the ADA Coordinator at [phone]. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1(800)955-8771 (TDD) or 1(800)955-8770 (Voice).

For more information, you may contact: Jessica McCawley, 2590 Executive Center Circle East, Suite 201, Tallahassee, Florida 32301, [phone].