The purpose of this rule amendment is to provide for the further conservation of cobia off Florida’s Gulf coast by modifying the regulations found in 68B-19, Florida Administrative Code. Cobia off the coast of Florida are part of a migratory ...

Document Information

Comments Open:: 11/8/2017
Summary:: This rule will increase the minimum size limit of cobia to 38 inches fork length, reduce the commercial bag limit from two to one cobia per harvester per day, and reduce the commercial and recreational vessel limits from six to two cobia per day. These changes would apply to Gulf state waters north of the Monroe – Collier county line (25°48.216’ North Latitude).
Purpose:: The purpose of this rule amendment is to provide for the further conservation of cobia off Florida’s Gulf coast by modifying the regulations found in 68B-19, Florida Administrative Code. Cobia off the coast of Florida are part of a migratory stock that ranges throughout the Gulf of Mexico and Florida’s east coast. The 2013 federal stock assessment for this stock did not indicate there was cause for concern at the time. However, stakeholders in Florida, particularly the Panhandle, have ...
Rulemaking Authority:: Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution
Law:: Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution
Contact:: Jessica McCawley, Director, Division of Marine Fisheries Management, 2590 Executive Center Circle East, Suite 201, Tallahassee, Florida 32301, and (850) 487-0554.
Related Rules: (3): 68B-19.002. Cobia, Size Limit; 68B-19.003. Size Limit; Landed in Whole Condition Requirement; 68B-19.004. Designation as Restricted Species; Bag and Possession Limits