New commercial-fishing rules on using a bully net to scoop lobsters off the sea floor could be in place by the 2017 season opening, depending on a Feb. 8 vote.
If given final approval by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, bully-netting would become a more regulated sector within the state season on spiny lobster but would remain open to new commercial fishers. The bully-netting issue now is included on the consent agenda for the FWC’s Feb. 8 and 9 meeting in Crystal River, following preliminary approval at a November meeting.
The eight-month lobster season runs Aug. 6 through March 31. No new permits, if approved, would be issued for the season now under way.
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