Summary


Chapter 68B-2 (General Chapter) will be amended and re-named the General chapter. Rule 68B-2.001(General Definitions) will be created to standardize definitions that will apply to all marine fisheries. Rule 68B-2.002 (Return of Marine Organisms to Water; Permissible Temporary Possession) will be created to require that any finfish and any marine invertebrate regulated by the FWC that is not retained must be released immediately without being unnecessarily harmed. It will also allow for temporary possession of marine organisms for photography and determining compliance with regulations. Rule 68B-2.003(License Required for Harvest or Possession of a Marine Organism Regulated) will be created to clearly state the proper fishing licenses are required when possessing marine organisms on the water and while fishing. Rule 68B-2.004 (Recreational and Commercial Harvest on the Same Trip) will prohibit commercial and recreational harvest of the same species on a single trip. Rule 68B-2.005 (Vessel Operator Responsibility) will hold the vessel operator responsible for ensuring passengers comply with marine fisheries regulations. Rule 68B-2.006 (Restricted Species Endorsement Provision) will be amended to correct rule language to better reflect the Commission’s original intent. Rule 68B-2.007 (Prohibition of Possession, Transport, Purchase, or Sale of Illegally-Caught marine Organisms) will be created to prohibit the possession, transport, purchase or sale of marine organisms caught in violation of fisheries regulations. Rule 68B-2.008 (Trap Placement) will prohibit placement of traps in navigational channels.