The purpose and effect of this rule development notice is to address possible rule amendments for reef fish gear requirements to help increase the survival of released reef fish and contribute to improved health and fishing ....

 

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Marine Fisheries

RULE NOS.:RULE TITLES:

68B-14.002Definitions

68B-14.005Regulation and Prohibition of Certain Harvesting Gear: Allowable Gear, Incidental Bycatch, Violation

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose and effect of this rule development notice is to address possible rule amendments for reef fish gear requirements to help increase the survival of released reef fish and contribute to improved health and fishing opportunities of reef fish stocks.

SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Subject areas to be addressed in the rule development notice may include requiring the possession and use of descending devices or venting tools when fishing for reef fish from a vessel as well as other subjects encompassed by the above-cited rules.

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.