The purpose of this rule development notice is to provide reference to possible no-trawl zones within Biscayne National Park (BNP). The Commission is considering development of no-trawl zones within BNP in order to conserve sensitive nursery ...

 

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Marine Fisheries

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

68B-31.0035Trawls: Allowed Use; Maximum Square Footage of Mesh Area; Definitions

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this rule development notice is to provide reference to possible no-trawl zones within Biscayne National Park (BNP). The Commission is considering development of no-trawl zones within BNP in order to conserve sensitive nursery habitat and reduce bycatch of non-target species. The effect of this rule amendment would be to provide clarity by referencing new no-trawls zones within BNP established in Rule Chapter 68B-7, F.A.C., and thus conserve sensitive marine fisheries nursery habitats.

SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Subject areas addressed in the rule development notice include references to no-trawl zones that could be established in Rule Chapter 68B-7, F.A.C. for areas within Biscayne National Park.

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.