The purpose of this rule development notice is to address possible creation of a rule referencing spatial harvest closures for lobster species within Biscayne National Park (BNP). The Commission is considering development of a series of Coral Reef ...

 

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Marine Fisheries

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

68B-24.0067Special Provisions for Biscayne National Park: Closure of Coral Reef Protection Areas

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this rule development notice is to address possible creation of a rule referencing spatial harvest closures for lobster species within Biscayne National Park (BNP). The Commission is considering development of a series of Coral Reef Protection Areas within BNP, where trap use and lobster harvest would be prohibited in order to prevent damage to selected coral stands. The effect of the new rule chapter would be to reference new spatial closures to the harvest of lobster established in Rule Chapter 68B-7, F.A.C., that would further conserve select coral stands within BNP.

SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Subject areas addressed in the rule development notice include reference to spatial limitations within Biscayne National Park on trap use and lobster harvest established in Rule Chapter 68B-7, F.A.C.

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: Ms. Jessica McCawley, Director, Division of Marine Fisheries Management, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 1875 Orange Avenue East, Tallahassee, FL, 32311, [phone]

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