The purpose and effect of this rule development notice is to address rule amendments for tarpon to update regulations and provide clarification related to allowable uses of an FWC-issued tarpon tag.

 

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Marine Fisheries

RULE NOS.:RULE TITLES:

68B-32.004Restrictions on Possession of Tarpon; Commercial Harvest Prohibited

68B-32.009Tarpon Tag Specifications

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose and effect of this rule development notice is to address rule amendments for tarpon to update regulations and provide clarification related to allowable uses of an FWC-issued tarpon tag.

SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Subject area addressed in the rule development notice include the tarpon tag specifications and restrictions on the possession of tarpon.

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.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this workshop/meeting is asked to advise the agency at least 5 days before the workshop/meeting by contacting: the ADA Coordinator at [phone]. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1(800)955-8771 (TDD) or 1(800)955-8770 (Voice).

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT, IF AVAILABLE, IS: Ms. Jessica McCawley, Director, Division of Marine Fisheries Management, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 2590 Executive Center Circle E, Suite 201, Tallahassee, Florida 32301 [phone].

 

THE PRELIMINARY TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT IS:

 

68B-32.004 Restrictions on Possession of Tarpon; Commercial Harvest Prohibited.

(1) through (2) No change.

(3) Except for tarpon harvested or possessed with the intent to submit that tarpon for state record or world record in accordance with pursuant to subsection 68B-32.009(1), F.A.C., tarpon greater than 40 inches fork length may not be removed from the water.

(4) Possession for Commercial Purposes Prohibited – A commercial harvester may not harvest or possess a tarpon within or without Florida Waters.

Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. History–New 1-1-98, Formerly 46-32.004, Amended 3-28-04, 3-1-05, 9-1-13, Amended         .

 

68B-32.009 Tarpon Tag Specifications.

(1) Tags Required for Possession –

(a) A person may not harvest or possess a tarpon unless the person intends to submit that tarpon for an International Game Fish Association world record or International Game Fish Association Commission Florida state record.

(b) through (d) No change.

(2) through (6) No change.

Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. History–New 9-1-13, Amended___ .