A recent federal stock assessment completed in 2017 showed that greater amberjack continue to be overfished in the Gulf of Mexico. The new rule would modify recreational harvest regulations in Gulf of Mexico state waters by adding a November 1 ...  

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    FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

    Marine Fisheries

    RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

    68B-14.004Recreational Amberjack Season

    PURPOSE, EFFECT AND SUMMARY: A recent federal stock assessment completed in 2017 showed that greater amberjack continue to be overfished in the Gulf of Mexico. The new rule would modify recreational harvest regulations in Gulf of Mexico state waters by adding a November 1 through April 30 closed season to the current June 1 – July 31 closure. The purpose of this rule is to achieve consistency between the Commission’s Gulf greater amberjack regulations and federal regulations in the Gulf of Mexico. The Secretary of Commerce has approved a similar rule for Gulf of Mexico federal waters and the regulation takes effect on April 30, 2018.

    The effect of this rule amendment is that federal and state regulations can be applied more consistently to recreational harvest of greater amberjack in the Gulf of Mexico. A consistent closed season in state waters would contribute to the federal rebuilding plan and reduce the likelihood of catch exceeding federal annual catch limits. This should help ensure a sustainable harvest for the future.

    Rule 68B-14.004, F.A.C., would be modified to add a recreational harvest closure from November 1 through April 30 each year. These changes were approved by the Commission at their December 5-7, 2017, meeting in Gainesville, Florida.

    RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution

    LAW IMPLEMENTED: Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution

    THIS RULEMAKING IS UNDERTAKEN PURSUANT TO SECTION

    120.54(6), F.S. WRITTEN COMMENTS MAY BE SUBMITTED WITHIN 14 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE TO: Bud Vielhauer, General Counsel, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600, (850)487-1764.

    SUBSTANTIALLY AFFECTED PERSONS MAY WITHIN 14 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, FILE AN OBJECTION TO THIS RULEMAKING WITH THE AGENCY. THE OBJECTION SHALL SPECIFY THE PORTIONS OF THE PROPOSED RULE TO WHICH THE PERSON OBJECTS AND THE SPECIFIC REASONS FOR THE OBJECTION.

     

    THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

     

    68B-14.004 Recreational Amberjack Season.

    In all state waters of the Gulf of Mexico the recreational harvest and possession of greater amberjack shall be prohibited November 1 through April 30 and June 1 through July 31, each year (consistent with the Federal Standard established in 50 C.F.R. § 622.34(c) as of April 30, 2018).

    Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. History–New 6-10-13,______.