The Commission will consider a federal consistency action to establish a recreational bag limit and season for blueline tilefish in Atlantic state waters that is consistent with recreational regulations in Atlantic federal waters. Currently, ...

 

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Marine Fisheries

RULE NOS.:RULE TITLES:

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

68B-14.0039Recreational Grouper Seasons

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The Commission will consider a federal consistency action to establish a recreational bag limit and season for blueline tilefish in Atlantic state waters that is consistent with recreational regulations in Atlantic federal waters. Currently, recreational harvest of blueline tilefish in Atlantic state waters is limited to the default recreational bag limit of two fish or 100 pounds, whichever is greater, and harvest is allowed year-round. In Atlantic federal waters, the blueline tilefish recreational bag limit is three fish per person within the three-fish aggregate bag limit for grouper and tilefish, and the season is open May 1 through August 31. The Atlantic federal fishery is also managed with a quota. Blueline tilefish primarily occur in federal waters, but can be harvested from state waters off southeast Florida. Establishing a recreational bag limit and season for blueline tilefish in state waters could help keep Atlantic blueline tilefish recreational harvest below the federal quota and avoid overfishing. Additionally, consistent regulations for blueline tilefish in state and federal waters could reduce regulatory confusion and promote compliance with regulations.

SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Subject areas to be addressed in the rule development notice include reef fish recreational bag limits and recreational seasons, specifically a recreational bag limit and season for blueline tilefish in Atlantic state waters.

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: 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.