The purpose of these rule amendments is to continue the moratorium on issuance of new blue crab endorsements until July 1, 2007, and to delay until that date the implementation of the Blue Crab Limited Entry Program. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission had adopted rules that would have implemented the final effort management plan for the commercial blue crab fishery on July 1, 2006. These rule amendments are necessary to delay the program until penalties applicable to specific requirements and prohibitions in the implementing rules of the Commission and fees to be charged by the Commission under the program can be passed by the Florida Legislature and to replace Emergency Rule 68BER06-1 before its expiration. The effect of these rule amendments would be to maintain the commercial fishery in its current regulatory state until the Florida Legislature establishes the appropriate penalties and fees.