The purpose and effect of this rule development notice is to address rule amendments for blue crab. The effect of the rule amendments would be to require blue crab trap modifications to reduce bycatch of diamondback terrapins ....

 

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Marine Fisheries

RULE NOS.:RULE TITLES:

68B-45.001Purpose and Intent; Repeal of Statutory Provisions; Designation as Restricted Species

68B-45.002Definitions

68B-45.003Minimum Size Limits

68B-45.004Regulation and Prohibition of Certain Harvesting Gear

68B-45.0045Closed Seasons

68B-45.005Bag Limit

68B-45.006Other Prohibitions

68B-45.007Blue Crab Effort Management Program

68B-45.008Assessment of Administrative Penalties for Violations Relating to Blue Crab Management

68B-45.011Recreational Blue Crab Trap Registration Requirement

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose and effect of this rule development notice is to address rule amendments for blue crab. The effect of the rule amendments would be to require blue crab trap modifications to reduce bycatch of diamondback terrapins in blue crab traps and to create Terrapin Bycatch Reduction Zones.

SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Subject areas addressed in the rule development notice include definitions and regulation of certain harvesting gear.

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, [phone]

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