09/30/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/30/2024 09:19
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will begin accepting applications for the 2025 annual limited harvest season of goliath grouper in state waters. Those interested can apply anytime from Oct. 1-15, for the upcoming 2025 season.
This unique recreational opportunity is possible through successful conservation efforts by state and federal agencies over the past three decades that aided goliath grouper population rebuilding. Permits to participate in this limited-entry harvest will be awarded by a random draw lottery. The cost to apply for the lottery is $10 plus fees, and permit lottery applications will be available online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
Details for this limited, highly regulated harvest include:
This opportunity is intended to provide additional access to this fishery while balancing the values of various stakeholder groups. Adult goliath grouper will continue to be prohibited from harvest statewide as well as goliath in heavy dive ecotourism areas. This limited harvest is not intended to address fishing depredation concerns.
For more information about the goliath grouper harvest permit and details on the permit lottery and eligibility requirements, visit our Goliath Grouper Harvest Permit webpage. For more information about goliath grouper regulations, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on "Recreational Regulations," "Reef Fish" and "Goliath Grouper."