FWC staff coordinated with the Legislature and worked closely with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) staff to develop reasonable and appropriate genetic safeguards related to the aquaculture of Florida largemouth bass. These safeguards will be incorporated into FWC rule and FDACS Best Management Practices (BMPs), and both agencies will continue to work together on enforcement as the industry develops. FWC staff are confident the rules and BMPs combined with an ongoing, close working relationship with FDACS staff will provide strong genetic protections for Florida’s iconic freshwater gamefish.