The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is modifying gear requirements for those fishing for reef fish from a vessel. Specifically, this rule would require the possession of a descending device or venting tool on board a vessel when harvesting or attempting to harvest (including catch and release) reef fish, and to require the use of such device/tool if releasing a reef fish that suffers from barotrauma. Release mortality is a top fisheries management challenge, and tools such as descending devices or venting tools can help fish recover from the effects of barotrauma, a pressure-related injury. To reduce release mortality, similar gear requirements have been adopted in adjacent federal waters. The purpose of these rule changes is to help improve survival of released reef fish, promote best fishing practices, and increase compliance with existing regulations in federal waters. The effect of the rule amendments is to require the possession and appropriate use of descending devices or venting tools when fishing for reef fish from a vessel in Florida state waters. The purpose of these rule changes is to help improve survival of released reef fish, promote best fishing practices, and increase compliance with existing regulations in federal waters. The effect of the rule amendments is to require the possession and appropriate use of descending devices or venting tools when fishing for reef fish from a vessel in Florida state waters.