The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is seeking public feedback on potential updates to wild oyster harvest rules in the Big Bend counties of Dixie, Levy and Citrus.
FWC staff will present possible changes involving commercial and recreational harvest, including an unattached undersized tolerance of 11 oysters per bag and an attached undersized tolerance of 33 oysters per bag. Other proposals include a regional endorsement for commercial harvesters, seasonal bag limits for both commercial and recreational harvesters, mandatory harvest reporting and an Oct. 1-through-the-end-of-February harvest season.
The agency says comments gathered at the workshops will help refine staff recommendations expected to go before the commission in 2027.
The first workshop is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Eastern on Monday, Oct. 26, at Salt Creek Restaurant & Marker 29, 23440 SE County Road 349 in Suwannee. A second meeting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, Oct. 29, at Cedar Key High School, 951 Whiddon Ave. in Cedar Key.
People unable to attend can watch a recording of the presentation after the workshops at MyFWC.com/SaltwaterWorkshops or through the FWC Saltwater YouTube channel. Written comments may also be submitted through the rulemaking section of MyFWC.com/Marine.
