The purpose of this rule amendment is to set the long-term bay scallop season dates for the Pasco Zone. The effect of this rule will be to modify the bay scallop season dates for the Pasco Zone to open on July 10 and extend ....

 

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Marine Fisheries

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

68B-18.005Seasons

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this rule amendment is to set the long-term bay scallop season dates for the Pasco Zone. The effect of this rule will be to modify the bay scallop season dates for the Pasco Zone to open on July 10 and extend through August 18 each year, beginning in 2024.

SUMMARY: This rule would modify the bay scallop season dates for the Pasco Zone to start on July 10 and extend through August 18 each year, beginning in 2024.

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS AND LEGISLATIVE RATIFICATION:

The Agency has determined that this will not have an adverse impact on small business or likely increase directly or indirectly regulatory costs in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate within one year after the implementation of the rule. A SERC has not been prepared by the Agency.

The Agency has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification based on the statement of estimated regulatory costs or if no SERC is required, the information expressly relied upon and described herein: the nature of the rule and the preliminary analysis conducted to determine whether a SERC was required.

Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution.

IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A HEARING WILL BE SCHEDULED AND ANNOUNCED IN THE FAR.

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 IS: Jessica McCawley, Director, Division of Marine Fisheries Management, 620 S. Meridian St., Tallahassee, Florida 32399, and [phone].

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

 

68B-18.005 Seasons.

(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (a) through (c), the harvest of bay scallops begins on July 1 and continues through September 24 each year.

(a) through (b) No change.

(c) Within the Pasco Zone, the harvest of bay scallops shall be limited to an open season that begins on July 10 and continues through August 18 each year the third Friday in July each year and continues for 10 consecutive days.

(2) through (3) No Change.

Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. History–New 6-13-85, Amended 3-1-95, Formerly 46-18.005, Amended 9-1-13, 11-26-14, 1-1-20, 1-1-21,        .

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Jessica McCawley, Director, Division of Marine Fisheries Management, 620 S. Meridian St., Tallahassee, Florida 32399, and [phone].

NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: February 21, 2024

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: October 24, 2023