Every spring, permit from across the Middle and Lower Keys return to the tiny shoal at Western Dry Rocks to spawn, and as they do, they are especially vulnerable. These fish are the foundation of a huge fishery that stretches from the Marquesas to Marathon, and as a vital part of our ecosystem and our economy, they need our help.
To ensure the long-term health of this vital resource, BTT is calling on the Florida Fish & Wildlife Game Commission to establish a seasonal no-fishing closure at Western Dry Rocks south of Key West. This would give breeding fish the chance to spawn, resulting in a healthier population, while at the same time preserving the opportunity to fish at Western Dry Rocks in the off-season. And we need your help in this fight: Voice your support for spawning protection by clicking HERE, to write the FWC.
Scroll down to the Saltwater Rulemaking Comments section, and in the topic menu select “Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.”