Saturday, June 30, 2012

GULF OF MEXICO

No snook for another year

Anglers may not harvest snook in Gulf of Mexico waters for another year.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) voted this week for further protection after a 2010 cold kill.

The recreational snook season was closed in Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic waters by executive order on Jan. 16, 2010, and was to reopen this Sept. 1, but now is set to reopen Sept. 1, 2013.

Fewer snook died on the Atlantic coast, where normal season reopened Sept. 1, 2011. Catch-and-release of snook is allowed. In the Atlantic, the season remains unchanged, closing annually Dec. 15 through Jan. 31 and June 1 through Aug. 31.

FLORIDA KEYS

Advisory council seats open

Six primary and eight alternate seats on the NOAA's Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council are open.

Some seats represent "citizens at large" in certain districts, while others specifically relate to topics such as commercial fishing and tourism. Members serve three-year terms and are selected based on expertise in the subject the seat represents, and community and professional affiliations.

Applications are due July 31. Download them from floridakeys.noaa.gov, or call 305-809-4700, ext. 245, email Lilli.Ferguson@noaa.gov, or write to Council Coordinator Lilli Ferguson, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, 33 East Quay Road, Key West, FL 33040.

KEY WEST

It's Miss Firecracker time

The 2012 Miss Firecracker Pageant will be held Sunday evening in the Crystal Room of La Te Da, 1125 Duval St.

Doors will open at 7 p.m., with the pageant starting at 8 p.m., hosted by Just Whitney and Mark Watson.

A preview of silent auction items will be offered at 4 p.m. Items include Anne Koplik jewelry with retail value of $750 and a homemade quilt by Virginia artist Cecile Kohrs-Lindell that sells for $1,300.

The event will include an appearance by reigning Miss Firecracker Connie Madison, the presentation of the Ronda Riviera Humanitarian award, and the screening of a video in memory of former Miss Firecracker Kitty Kazwell.

General admission is $20 at the door.