68B-31.003. Live Bait Shrimp Trawl Gear Specifications  


Effective on Sunday, May 1, 2022
  • 1(1) A licensed live bait shrimp producer is allowed the use of one trawl for the harvest of live bait shrimp. The opening or entrance to the trawl net shall be formed and limited by attachment of the net mesh to line of not less than 1/8 inch diameter. Such line shall be securely attached so as to form a continuous perimeter around the leading edge of the net. Attachment of the net mesh to such line shall be made at intervals of not more than 12 inches along the entire length of the line. The perimeter so formed shall not exceed 60 feet, measured from point to point along the line forming the leading edge of the net, and the net shall be no larger in mesh area than specified by subsection 13468B-31.0035(2), 135F.A.C. No webbing, mesh, panels, or similar devices shall be used in conjunction with the trawl net in any manner so as to precede or enlarge the opening or entrance to the net, or have the effect of diverting saltwater products into the opening or entrance to the net.

    184(2) No person shall operate or fish any otter trawl, or possess any otter trawl that is rigged for fishing aboard any vessel, in the Northeast Florida Commercial Live Shrimp Production Fishery, which trawl does not have a bycatch reduction device (BRD) installed therein meeting the requirements of Rule 23368B-31.0045, 234F.A.C.

    235(3) No licensed live bait shrimp producer shall use any other type of gear or any trawl net not in conformance with the specifications of subsections (1) and (2).

    264Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. History–New 12-11-86, Amended 1-1-96, 6-3-96, Formerly 46-31.003, Amended 5-1-22.