Summary
These rules will implement a recreational bag and vessel limit for shrimp in the Big Bend closed area, which will create additional access to the shrimp fishery and is not expected to negatively impact the shrimp resource or seagrass habitat. Additionally, these rules will allow the possession and use of high-salinity freezer tanks for commercial shrimp production, which will align FWC’s rules with industry standards for producing high quality frozen shrimp for the seafood market. Lastly, these rules will clarify the boundary for the closed area in Santa Rosa Sound, correct the name of the “Live Bait Shrimp License” and update a definition referring to that license, and add a definition of “inland waters” which will clarify regulations while also being consistent with Florida Statutes.