MONROE COUNTY, Fla. – A Homestead man is facing legal consequences after being caught with a goliath grouper out of season in the Florida Keys.
Juan Galban Ramirez, 65, was fishing near Mile Marker 72 on Saturday morning when he was spotted by a Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Marine Deputy. Ramirez was found to be in possession of a scaled and gutted goliath grouper, a violation of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) regulations.
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Goliath grouper are currently protected in Florida waters due to their vulnerable status. Fishing for, possessing, or harvesting these fish is prohibited.
Ramirez was issued a mandatory notice to appear in court for the violation.
This incident serves as a reminder to anglers to familiarize themselves with fishing regulations and to ensure they are complying with all rules and restrictions. For detailed information on fishing regulations in Florida, visit www.myfwc.com.
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