11280147, 68B-27.017 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services

Notice: 11280147

Notice of Proposed Rule

Department:

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Division:

Marine Fisheries

Chapter:

OYSTERS

Overview

RULE:

68B-27.017

Apalachicola Bay Oyster Harvesting Restrictions

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this rule amendment is to allow the harvest of oysters seven days a week, year round, in Apalachicola Bay. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) has recently made rule amendments in response to the national Shellfish Sanitation Program guidelines as it relates to Vibrio vulnificus. The amendment significantly reduces the allowable daytime hours for the harvest of oysters. DACS has requested FWC allow the harvest of oysters seven days a week, year round, to make up for the reduced allowable daily harvest time on the water. The effect of this rule would allow for additional days on the water for the harvest of oysters.

SUMMARY:

Rule 68B-27.017, F.A.C., (Apalachicola Bay Oyster Harvesting Restrictions) would be amended to remove language that prohibits the harvest of oysters on Friday or Saturday from June 1 through August 31 and on Saturday or Sunday from September 1 through November 15. Language will remain in the existing rule that closes harvest on weekends November 16 through May 31 if the monitoring program determines the resource cannot sustain harvest of 300 bags of oysters per acre.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution.

LAW:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution.

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

3/23/2012 Vol. 38/12

COMMENTS:

From 3/23/2012 To 4/13/2012 (21 Days)
The public comment period for this notice has already expired.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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