The purpose of this rule amendment is to modify the open season for recreational harvest of bay scallop so that the season will begin on a Saturday each year. This change will increase business and economic opportunities in the counties where harvest is allowed and create predictability in the season opening date. A predictable season opening date is better for harvesters and businesses alike. This change will open the season by no more than six days earlier than the opening currently established in rule, depending on the year, and so is expected to have minimal effects on the bay scallop population. The effect of this change would be to amend 68B-18.005, F.A.C. (Statewide Open and Closed Seasons and Areas for Harvesting Bay Scallops), to open the bay scallop recreational harvest season on the Saturday before July 1, unless July 1 falls on Saturday, in which case the season would open on July 1. The season for the recreational harvest is open through September 24 each year.