The purpose of this rule development notice is to address the possible amendments and the creation of new rules for reef fish, as the Commission is considering development of regulations for a limited harvest of goliath ....

 

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Marine Fisheries

RULE NOS.:RULE TITLES:

68B-14.0035Size Limits: Amberjacks, Black Sea Bass, Gray Triggerfish, Grouper, Hogfish, Red Porgy, Snapper

68B-14.00355Size Limits for Importation and Sale

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

68B-14.0039Recreational Grouper and Tilefish Seasons

68B-14.005Regulation and Prohibition of Certain Harvesting Gear: Allowable Gear, Incidental Bycatch, Violation

68B-14.008Open and Closed Areas for Recreational Harvest of Goliath Grouper

68B-14.0091Recreational Goliath Grouper Harvest Permits; Goliath Grouper Tag Specifications; Harvest Reporting Requirements

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this rule development notice is to address the possible amendments and the creation of new rules for reef fish, as the Commission is considering development of regulations for a limited harvest of goliath grouper. The effect of the new rules would be to establish regulations for harvest of goliath grouper.

SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Subject areas addressed in the rule development notice include size limits, recreational bag limits, recreational seasons, allowable gear, open and closed areas, permits, harvest tags, and reporting requirements.

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

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

A RULE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:

DATE AND TIME: During the Commission’s regular meeting March 2-3, 2022, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. each day

PLACE: Tampa Convention Center, Ballroom D, 333 S. Franklin Street, Tampa, Florida 33602.

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.