Published on: 21428869. The purpose and effect of this rule development notice is to address possible rule amendments for marine life in the 2019 calendar year as a result of stock assessments, federal regulatory actions or other management or enforcement requirements, or to address amendments resulting from the agency’s comprehensive review of Division 68B.
Published on: 20077756. The purpose and effect of this rule development notice is to address possible rule amendments for marine life in the 2018 calendar year resulting from stock assessments, federal regulatory actions or other management or enforcement requirements, or to address amendments resulting from the agency’s comprehensive review of Division 68B.
Published on: 18446216. The purpose and effect of this rule development notice is to address possible rule amendments for marine life in the 2017 calendar year as a result of stock assessments, federal regulatory actions or other management or enforcement requirements, or to address amendments resulting from the agency’s comprehensive review of Division 68B.
Published on: 17021480. The purpose of this rule development is to establish additional management measures to address dwarf seahorse population concerns. These rules will modify recreational and commercial bag limits, establish an annual commercial quota, and establish an allowable harvest area for dwarf seahorses. Additional minor changes to the rule language will correct out-dated, erroneous cross-references inadvertently created during previous Commission rule changes.
The dwarf seahorse is managed as part of the Marine Life (aquarium trade/tropical ornamental) fishery and therefore benefits from several long-term management measures, including statewide gear regulations, bag limits, and an endorsement program that limits participation in the commercial fishery. This species has a limited geographic range and is dependent on seagrass habitat. Stakeholders have expressed concerns about the population status of the dwarf seahorse and NOAA Fisheries has received a petition recommending the species for listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Available data suggest abundance may be low, particularly in northern portions of the state, and that this species may be slow to rebound from temporary seagrass loss.
The additional management measures will further ensure the sustainability of the dwarf seahorse population and the fishery that targets them, and is intended to help prevent the need for listing under the ESA.
Published on: 17013914. The purpose and effect of this rule development notice is to address possible rule amendments for marine life in the 2016 calendar year as a result of stock assessments, federal regulatory actions or other management or enforcement requirements, or to address amendments resulting from the agency’s comprehensive review of Division 68B.