Tampa Bay and its surrounding waters is in danger following the catastrophic 2021 red tide event. As a result, approximately 3 million pounds of dead fish were removed from Sarasota to Tarpon Springs and all of Tampa Bay in 2021. A premature re-open to harvest will not allow fish stocks to return to the level they were prior to the red tide of 2021.

All inshore species have been impacted. With open-to-harvest regulations, rebound will be a slow process. Snook, redfish, and trout have hit record low population numbers. To mitigate this, I propose the following initial steps:

• Charter-for-hire surveys needs revision
• Revised Stock assessment areas
• Science based closures & openings

Noticeable sea grass degradation happening at a rate that can be observed year after year, current regulations are playing a negative toll.

The future of our fishery is in danger if we do not quickly re-adjust our regulations accordingly. With more and more people moving to Florida and water quality being the root of the problem, our habitat and regulations need to be married to ensure a healthy fishery.