The purpose of this rule development notice is to address rule amendments for the stone crab fishery related to harvest season dates, minimum size limit, possession of live or whole stone crabs, and trap construction requirements. The Commission is ...  

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    FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

    Marine Fisheries

    RULE NOS.:RULE TITLES:

    68B-13.0015Definitions

    68B-13.005Designation as Restricted Species; Season; Repeal of Special Act

    68B-13.007Restrictions on Size and on Transport and Possession of Stone Crabs and Stone Crab Claws

    68B-13.008Gear, Trap Construction, Commercial Trap Marking Requirements, Trap Working Regulations, Trap Transfer

    PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this rule development notice is to address rule amendments for the stone crab fishery related to harvest season dates, minimum size limit, possession of live or whole stone crabs, and trap construction requirements. The Commission is considering development of rule amendments to increase the stone crab population and build resiliency in the fishery. The effect of these rule amendments would be to shorten the stone crab season statewide, increase the stone crab claw minimum size limit, limit the possession of live or whole stone crabs on board a vessel, and require an escape ring in all wood and plastic stone crab traps.

    SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Subject areas addressed in the rule development notice include open and closed seasons, minimum size limit, possession of live or whole stone crabs, and trap construction requirements.

    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, 620 S. Meridian St., Tallahassee, Florida 32399, (850)487-0554

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