American shad will now be designated catch-and-release only after the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) voted to approve a proposed final rule during its August meeting.
According to FWC, the decision aims to ensure the sustainability of American shad stocks in Florida waters.
American shad are a migratory species found along the Atlantic coast of North America, from Newfoundland to Florida, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. They are born in freshwater, grow up over the course of four years in the saltwater of the Atlantic Ocean, then return to freshwater ecosystems to lay their eggs and end their life cycle.
In Florida, American shad are found primarily in the St. Johns River, where abundance continues to decline. FWC staff worked with stakeholders to gather feedback on the proposed final rule and received broad support for a catch-and-release-only fishery.
This approved rule prohibits the harvest, possession, sale, and exchange of American shad in Florida.
To learn more about American shad, visit myfwc.com/americanshad.
