The purpose of this rule is to provide protection of the subtidal oyster reef units constructed as part of the West Bay Estuarine Habitat Project. In 2015, the Commission’s Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Restoration Section began constructing subtidal oyster reef units along the western shoreline of West Bay (within the St. Andrews Bay estuary) as part of a multi-phase restoration project. The purpose of this project is to create oyster reef habitat along an area of shoreline in the bay which historically has not had oysters because a lack of substrate for larvae to settle on. This project is expected to increase oyster recruitment to nearby harvestable reefs, reduce shoreline erosion, improve water quality, promote seagrass growth, and expand nursery habitat for both recreationally and commercially important fish. The effect of this rule will be to provide protection for the habitat created through the West Bay Estuarine Habitat Project by modifying oyster regulations found in 68B-27, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) to prohibit harvest or possession of oysters within the project boundary.