Home » Florida Fish and Wildlife Modifies 2022 Blueline Tilefish Recreational Season for Atlantic State Waters

Florida Fish and Wildlife Modifies 2022 Blueline Tilefish Recreational Season for Atlantic State Waters

By  //  May 9, 2022

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The 2022 recreational season for blueline tilefish will be open May 1 to July 25 in state waters, closing July 26

At its May meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission approved a temporary modification to the 2022 recreational blueline tilefish season in Atlantic state waters. The 2022 recreational season for blueline tilefish will be open from May 1 to July 25 in state waters, closing July 26. (FWC image)

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – At its May meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission approved a temporary modification to the 2022 recreational blueline tilefish season in Atlantic state waters.

The 2022 recreational season for blueline tilefish will be open from May 1 to July 25 in state waters, closing July 26.

Typically, the blueline tilefish season is open from May 1 to August 31 in Atlantic state and federal waters. However, NOAA Fisheries projects that the recreational catch limit will be met by July 26 and is closing the fishery to prevent overfishing from occurring.

Modifications to the recreational season in state waters is consistent with the recent changes in federal waters.

Tilefish inhabit the outer continental shelf and upper continental slope along the entire east coast of the United States and the Gulf of Mexico south to Venezuela. They are found in waters from 250-1,500 feet deep, where bottom temperatures range from 49° to 58° F.

Even though the tilefish population is healthy, thanks to some responsible wildlife management by NOAA, they’re still susceptible to overfishing. Additionally, the mercury levels in tilefish are elevated to the point where they’re not safe to eat.

For more information, including the May 2022 Commission meeting presentation, visit MyFWC.com/Commission and click on “Commission Meetings.”

For current recreational blueline tilefish regulations, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on “Recreational Regulations” and “Blueline tilefish.” This page will be updated with the new regulations when they take effect.

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