Summary
Rule 68B-42.001 F.A.C., (Purpose and Intent: Designation of Restricted Species; Definition of “Marine Life Species”) would be amended to add new species that would be regulated by this rule chapter and add language regarding the issuance of Special Activity Licenses. Rule 68B-42.002, F.A.C., (Definitions) would be amended to add a definition of fork length for fishes. Rule 68B-42.004, F.A.C., (Size Limits) would be amended to modify size limits for various marine life fish species. Rule 68B-42.005, F.A.C., (Bag Limit) would be amended to modify the recreational bag limit to allow only 5 of any one species within the 20 organism daily bag limit and create a 2-day possession limit for recreationally harvested organisms. In addition, it would also specify the allowable gears for taking zoanthids and corallimorph polyps recreationally as well as the amount of substrate that can be legally attached to ornamental sponges harvested from certain parts of the State. Rule 68B-42.006, F.A.C., (Commercial Season, Harvest Limits) would be amended to establish commercial bag and vessel limits for some species and modify some of the existing limits as well as specify the amount of substrate that can be legally attached to ornamental sponges harvested from certain areas of the State. In addition, it would also specify tools for the taking of certain species and modify vessel limits to make the wording more consistent with the endorsement program implemented in 2005. Rule 68B-42.0065, F.A.C., (Commercial Requirements; Endorsements; Requalifying; Appeals; Leasing; Transferability) would be amended to modify the requalification criteria for the Marine Life Transferable Dive Endorsement to allow live rock landings. Rule 68B-42.007 (Gear Specifications and Prohibited Gear) would be amended to limit the use of quinaldine to only the Marine Life Transferable Dive Endorsement and the Marine Life Non-transferable Dive Endorsement. Rule 68B-42.008, F.A.C., (Prohibition on the Taking, Destruction, or Sale of Marine Corals and Sea Fans; Exception; Repeal of Section 370.114, Florida Statutes) would be amended to remove and update outdated references.