The purpose of this rule development notice is to address a rule amendment for state waters within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary related to fishing regulations at Western Dry Rocks. The Commission is considering ....

 

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Marine Fisheries

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

68B-6.004Western Dry Rocks Seasonal Closure

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this rule development notice is to address a rule amendment for state waters within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary related to fishing regulations at Western Dry Rocks. The Commission is considering establishing a seasonal closed area to protect multi-species fish spawning aggregations thereby sustaining and potentially enhancing fishery populations. Western Dry Rocks is a spawning aggregation site for many recreationally and commercially important fish species, including permit, mutton snapper, yellowtail snapper, and gray snapper. The effect of the rule amendment would be to seasonally prohibit fishing within a one-square-mile area at Western Dry Rocks, resulting in reduced fishing pressure on fish when they are aggregated for spawning at the site.

SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Subject areas to be addressed in the rule development notice include a seasonal area restriction on fishing and possession of fish at Western Dry Rocks, as well as a transit provision for vessels possessing fish, invertebrates, and marine plants.

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.