Florida Fish Deaths

by David Proudfoot

The recent cold weather snap affecting the Florida area has resulted in the deaths of inshore species throughout the area. As a result the Florida Wildlife Commission has implemented temporary measures to help protect stocks, in particular snook, bonefish and tarpon.

Fish from many waterways state-wide were affected, including freshwater lakes, ponds, canals, estuaries and near-shore coastal waters. Reports to FWC offices, the FWC Fish Kill Hotline and observations by FWC staff in the field indicate that a wide variety of freshwater and saltwater species have been affected by severe cold temperatures.

Some of the marine species include snook, tarpon, bonefish, mullet, red and black drum, catfish, groupers (Nassau, black, gag, red and goliath), snapper (red, lane and mangrove), grunts, jacks, ladyfish, barracuda, parrotfish, several baitfish species, stingrays and sharks.

In general catch and release of the affected species continues to be permitted but it remains to be seen what effect the low temperatures will have on the coming season.

Further information can be found here

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