The purpose of this rule amendment is to encourage removal of non-native lionfish from Florida waters by waiving the requirement of obtaining a recreational license for the harvest of lionfish by divers. For-hire vessels that transport divers for ...

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Marine Fisheries

Rule No. : RULE TITLE :
68B-5.006: Recreational Divers Exempt from Licensing Requirement for Lionfish
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this rule amendment is to encourage removal of non-native lionfish from Florida waters by waiving the requirement of obtaining a recreational license for the harvest of lionfish by divers. For-hire vessels that transport divers for the purpose of targeting or harvesting lionfish would also be exempt from vessel recreational license requirements if other saltwater species are not harmed, harvested, or possessed by passengers, captain, or crew and lionfish are harvested in accordance with FWC rules. This rule amendment would specify allowable gears for harvest of lionfish pursuant to this license exemption.
The effect of this rule amendment would be to encourage removal of non-native lionfish from Florida waters by allowing divers without a recreational fishing license to target and recreationally harvest lionfish by spearfishing or using small nets without incidentally taking other species.
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Subject areas to be addressed by rule development include a license exemption for recreational harvest of lionfish by diving and allowable gears for harvest pursuant to this exemption.
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 WEEKLY.
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT, IF AVAILABLE, IS: Mark Robson, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600, [phone]

THE PRELIMINARY TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT IS NOT AVAILABLE.