Presented by Freeport Marina

From the Rio Grande to the Florida

Panhandle to the Keys

Drought is over!

In February, rains from far south on the Texas coast to New Orleans brought that area of the coast flash flood warnings for the first time in many months. Two-day rain totals of four inches were not uncommon in some areas, leaving water standing in spots that had been bone dry for quite some time. Coupled with generally mild temperatures, a feeling of spring seemed to have arrived early. Area streams rose quickly to above normal levels, flushing accumulated silt and debris into the Gulf. The immediate impact will be one of off-color water and floating objects mariners will need to keep a sharp eye out for. But a more long-term result will be a needed influx of fresh water to temper salinities in bays and tidal rivers and bayous and low water at docks. Additionally, boat ramps will be alleviated—at least short-term. Coastal fish species, birds and wildlife, plants and residents who love boats and the water will all head into the coming months with a new sense of well-being.

New websites provide ocean 

and coastal data and information

The Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS)—a regional entity of the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS)—has a new website to provide mariners with better and easier access to marine-related data. The GCCOS website (gcoos.tamu.edu) includes seven-day oceanographic and meteorological conditions and forecasts, providing “a one-stop information source for boat operators and fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico.” There are also nautical charts, marine hazard warnings and habitat maps showing essential fish habitat and marine protected areas.

Florida adopts new 

seasons for gag grouper

On February 8^th , the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) voted to change their management of gag grouper in state waters to nine nautical miles from the Gulf coast. The changes they wish to adopt will result in state regulations mirroring those in federal waters, setting a recreational open season from July 1^st through October 31^st, and lowering the minimum size for commercial gag catches from 24 inches to 22 inches total length. The Commission also authorized an executive order opening gag grouper season in state waters off Taylor, Jefferson, Wakulla and Franklin Counties—including Apalachicola Bay and Indian Pass—during April, May and June, closing the harvest in those waters during the July-to-October season. Gag grouper has seen the season closed in Gulf of Mexico state waters in Florida since November 16^th of 2011. FWC believes these changes will allow populations to rebuild while considering the needs of anglers.