Purpose


The purpose of this rule amendment is to improve the enforceability of the spiny lobster gear rule (68B-24.006). The current rule allows one commercial trap owner to authorize another commercial fisherman as a delegate to pull the owner’s traps using the form DMF-SL5030 (07-03) when extraordinary circumstances prevent that owner from working his/her own traps. The effect of the rule amendment will be to strengthen the current trap pulling petition by requiring notarization. It will also aid enforcement by requiring a float plan be prepared in advance with the Division of Law Enforcement.