06-17-2008, 11:10 AM
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved a rule that will allow the commercial harvest of striped or black mullet on weekends. This rule was approved at the FWC public meeting in Dania Beach on Thursday.
<br>The commercial harvest of mullet has been prohibited on weekends during certain months of the year since 1989 to help protect mullet when they spawn. A recent FWC stock assessment indicates that mullet populations are now healthy enough statewide to safely sustain commercial mullet harvesting on weekends.<br>
<br>"This rule will give commercial fishermen more time to fish and supply fresh mullet to local markets without adversely affecting Florida's mullet population," said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto.<br>
<br>This rule takes effect on July 13.
<br>The commercial harvest of mullet has been prohibited on weekends during certain months of the year since 1989 to help protect mullet when they spawn. A recent FWC stock assessment indicates that mullet populations are now healthy enough statewide to safely sustain commercial mullet harvesting on weekends.<br>
<br>"This rule will give commercial fishermen more time to fish and supply fresh mullet to local markets without adversely affecting Florida's mullet population," said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto.<br>
<br>This rule takes effect on July 13.