The purpose of this rule development notice is to address possible amendments to gear specifications and prohibited gear regulations for the purpose of protecting goliath grouper spawning aggregations. The effect of the ....

 

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Marine Fisheries

RULE NOS.:RULE TITLES:

68B-4.002Gear Definitions

68B-4.0088Handlines: Seasonal Closed Areas in Southeast Florida; Exception.

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this rule development notice is to address possible amendments to gear specifications and prohibited gear regulations for the purpose of protecting goliath grouper spawning aggregations. The effect of the rule amendments would be to provide additional protections for goliath grouper spawning aggregations.

SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Subject areas addressed in the rule development notice include gear definitions as well as area-specific gear restrictions and prohibitions.

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.