Cold- Weather Fish Kill Executive Orders

In response to the recent cold-weather fish kills that have occurred statewide, the FWC has issued executive orders to facilitate fish-kill cleanups and protect snook, bonefish and tarpon stocks while the impacts of these fish kills are evaluated. Effective Jan. 16, 2010:

* Bag, size limits, and some gear restrictions for saltwater fish that died as a result of the fish kills are suspended through February 28, 2010 or further notice for the purpose of disposal of these fish. See Executive Orders 10-02 PDF file and 10-4 for details.
* Harvest and possession of bonefish and tarpon from state and federal waters off Florida is prohibited through March 31, 2010 or further notice. Catch and release of these species is still permitted.
* Harvest and possession of snook from state and federal waters is prohibited through Aug. 31, 2010 or further notice. Catch and release of snook is still permitted.
To find out more about the 2010 Fish Kill orders, go to the FWC FAQ web page.