The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has issued executive orders to close the recreational harvest of snowy grouper, gag grouper, and blueline tilefish in Atlantic state waters, including all state waters off Monroe County. These closures, announced during the FWC's May 2025 meeting, align with federal regulations and aim to protect declining fish populations.
Closure Details:
Snowy Grouper: The recreational season will close at 12:01 a.m. on June 9, 2025.
Gag Grouper: The recreational season will close at 12:01 a.m. on June 26, 2025.
Blueline Tilefish: The recreational season will close at 12:01 a.m. on July 22, 2025.
These closures are consistent with adjacent federal waters, ensuring uniformity in conservation efforts across jurisdictions.
Conservation Rationale:
The FWC's decisions are based on data indicating that the annual catch limits for these species are projected to be met or exceeded. For instance, the 2025 recreational fishing season for snowy grouper is estimated to reach its annual catch limit of 1,713 fish by early June. Similarly, the gag grouper's annual catch limit of 176,665 pounds gutted weight is expected to be met by late June.
These proactive closures aim to prevent overfishing and ensure the long-term sustainability of these species.
Implications for Anglers:
Recreational anglers targeting these species in Atlantic state waters, including those off Monroe County, should adjust their plans accordingly. The closures apply to all recreational harvests, and compliance is essential to support conservation efforts.
For the most current information on fishing regulations and closures, anglers are encouraged to visit the FWC's official website at MyFWC.com.