Perspectives: Western Dry Rocks

Protecting Spawning Permit at Western Dry Rocks

Captain Will Benson and BTT Florida Keys Initiative Manager Dr. Ross Boucek with an acoustically-tagged permit. Like most permit on the flats of the Lower Keys, this big fish likely spawns at Western Dry Rocks. Photo: Ian Wilson Acritical permit conservation decision looms: whether or not to protect spawning permit that congregate in a 1.3 square mile area, 12 miles southwest of Key West, called Western Dry Keys and the urgent need to conserve it. The following week, a delegation of flats fishing guides and offshore captains joined BTT Florida Keys Initiative Manager Dr. Ross Boucek in Tallahassee, where Rocks (WDR). Research has identified WDR as a critical spawning site they made comments to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation for permit as well as mutton snapper and several other Lower Keys Commission (FWC) in support of protecting spawning fish. This was fish species. followed in March with the launch of the “Let Them Get Lucky” social Permit are protected during the spawning season from April through threats to spawning permit at WDR and to encourage their outreach to July, when only catch and release fishing is allowed. This catch and FWC. The campaign was very successful and resulted in comments in release regulation also applies to WDR. However, recent research support of a WDR spawning season closure by hundreds of concerned has revealed that an average of two out of every five permit that are anglers. hooked are eaten by sharks prior to being landed, making catch and release an ineffective management strategy at the site. In the absence As a result of vocal public support and BTT’s advocacy, WDR is on the of other viable management options, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust is calling verge of becoming the only haven where Keys flats permit can spawn for a spawning season no-fishing closure at WDR. in peace. FWC will hold public meetings in South Florida this fall to BTT, in partnership with the Lower Keys Guides Association, has WDR. These meetings will be the last chance for conservation-minded worked hard over the past year to secure protection for spawning anglers to register strong support for protecting spawning permit. permit at this critically important area. In February 2020, BTT BTT members are encouraged to participate and speak up for permit President and CEO Jim McDuffie met with Florida Governor Ron conservation. DeSantis to discuss the importance of the permit fishery to the Florida media campaign to educate anglers and other stakeholders about the gauge public support for a spawning season no-fishing closure at