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Chairman Rodney Barreto
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
620 South Meridian Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399

Dear Chairman Barreto,

I am writing to encourage the Commission to finalize compatible fishing rules in state waters for red snapper and gag grouper at its upcoming June meeting. In addition, I request the Commission to approve draft rules for new gear requirements to reduce shrimp trawl bycatch in state waters.  These actions will strengthen joint state and federal management efforts, coordinate enforcement of fishing rules, and help ensure fishery sustainability in the Gulf of Mexico.

The health of Florida’s coastal communities depends on our ability to end overfishing and create fisheries that are sustainable and profitable so that both marine life and our economy can thrive.  Our cultural heritage is shaped by our wealth of natural resources, not the least of which is our fisheries. Healthy reef fish populations not only have their own ecological value, but they also support important economic activities such as dive tourism and commercial and recreational fishing.

Thank you for taking action at recent meetings to end overfishing in the Gulf. I encourage you to continue your commitment to sustainable fisheries at your next meeting by finalizing rules in state waters for red snapper and gag grouper as well as approving draft rules to implement new gear requirements to reduce shrimp trawl bycatch.