The Commission will consider a federal consistency action to modify state multi-day for-hire rules to be consistent with current and pending federal rules. Under limited circumstances, in state waters, passengers on for-hire ....

 

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Marine Fisheries

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

68B-14.0036Recreational Bag Limits: Snapper, Grouper, Hogfish, Black Sea Bass, Red Porgy, Amberjacks, Tilefish, Exception, Wholesale/Retail Purchase Exemption

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The Commission will consider a federal consistency action to modify state multi-day for-hire rules to be consistent with current and pending federal rules. Under limited circumstances, in state waters, passengers on for-hire trips that span more than 24 hours may possess and land double the bag limit for reef fish. Federal regulations also allow passengers on multi-day for-hire trips in federal waters to possess and land over the daily bag limit under limited circumstances. However, the timeframes, species, and bag/possession limits allowed by current and pending federal rules differ from state rule. This proposed rule would update FWC regulations regarding these trips for reef fish to be consistent with existing rules for the Atlantic and rules for the Gulf of Mexico that are pending approval by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce. Consistent regulations to federal rules will help reduce regulatory confusion and ease enforcement compliance.

SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Subject areas to be addressed in the rule development notice include references to bag limits and requirements for those fishing for reef fish on multi-day for-hire trips in state waters.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: Art. IV, Sec. 9, Florida Constitution.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: Art. IV, Sec. 9, Florida Constitution.

IF REQUESTED IN WRITING AND NOT DEEMED UNNECESSARY BY THE AGENCY HEAD, A RULE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP WILL BE NOTICED IN THE NEXT AVAILABLE FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE REGISTER.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT, IF AVAILABLE, IS: Jessica McCawley, Director, Division of Marine Fisheries Management, 620 S. Meridian St., Tallahassee, Florida 32399, and [phone].

THE PRELIMINARY TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT IS AVAILABLE AT NO CHARGE FROM THE CONTACT PERSON LISTED ABOVE.