At its recent meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) considered a change in snook regulations from the current slot size of 26-34 inches to 27-35 inches. The original proposal was designed to prevent adverse impacts on snook which could result from the new criteria for measuring fish which goes into effect on July 1, 2006. CCA Florida recommended a stronger measure for the Commission's rule.

"We recommended just increasing the lower end of the slot by one inch and leaving the upper end at 34 inches," said David Howton, CCA Florida Chairman. "The Commission's action to increase only the lower end is an excellent decision. It covers the new fish measurement concern and provides additional needed protection for the snook resource."

Snook are one of Florida's premier gamefish. For many years CCA Florida, Florida's saltwater anglers, and guides have urged and endorsed strong conservation measures for snook. To protect this great gamefish the FWC has established a conservation oriented resource management goal of 40% spawning potential ration (SPR). The most recent stock assessment, which was released in February, shows that the snook SPR values on both coasts are below the 40% goal. East coast SPR values range from 25% to 26% and west coast values range from 26% to 32%.

Overall, the FWC's decision to just increase the lower end of the slot by one inch provides additional protection now. Research estimates that the SPR on the west coast would be increased by 7% and the SPR on the east coast would be increased by 5%.

The FWC has established a stakeholder group of anglers, guides and other interested parties who will meet this summer to discuss additional snook conservation measures which will provide more protection and bring the SPR value up to the 40% resource goal. However, it will be several months before additional measures are identified and it will be next year before the Commission considers additional snook rule changes.

"The unanimous vote to approve some additional conservation measures now is a strong statement for protecting this great gamefish," said Ted Forsgren, CCA Florida Executive Director. "We greatly appreciate the Commission's decision."