12791504, 68A-23.005 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Notice: 12791504

Notice of Proposed Rule

Department:

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Division:

Freshwater Fish and Wildlife

Chapter:

RULES RELATING TO FRESHWATER FISH

Overview

RULE:

68A-23.005

Bag Limits, Length Limits, Open Season: Freshwater Fish

PURPOSE:

The proposal to delete 68A-23.0059(f) is to remove the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regulations for Edward Medard Reservoir, Hillsborough County that is being established as a Fish Management Area (FMA) with new set of rules. The deletion of existing rules will prevent angler confusion and enhance enforcement of new Fish Management Area rules.

The proposed rule language in 68A-23.005(i) 1. will incorporate two canals and one creek into the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s boundary for Lake Okeechobee. The boundary of Lake Okeechobee will be redefined to include all of L-50 canal in Glades County, all of Sportsman’s Canal (LD-3) in Glades County, and Creek to U.S. 27 and Fisheating Creek to U.S. Hwy 27.
The new boundary will ensure that anglers fishing in the two canals and one creek or traversing Lake Okeechobee from the two canals and one creek will be subject to same set of rules currently in place for Lake Okeechobee. The proposed rule will eliminate angler confusion on Lake Okeechobee boundaries and reduce difficulties in effectively enforcing rules for freshwater fish.

The proposed rule language in 68A-23.005 (10) will allow anglers participating in the TrophyCatch Program to temporarily possess in live condition, one Hall of Fame candidate bass (13 pounds or greater) over the legal length limit and bag limit until the fish is certified by FWC staff or authorized representative. The proposed rule will increase recycling of large bass and enable the FWC to document catch of trophy bass, which are the primary goals of the TrophyCatch Program.

SUMMARY:

Removing existing rule language for Edward Medard Park Reservoir will prevent angler confusion and enhance law enforcement of new proposed rules for the newly established Edward Medard Park Reservoir Fish Management Area. The proposed rule language for the new FMA were developed through cooperative efforts with local stakeholders and partners to provide effective fishery protection.

The current boundary of Lake Okeechobee does not include two canals and one creek, which leads to angler confusion and difficulties for effectively enforcing current freshwater fish harvest rules. The proposed rule will eliminate angler confusion relative to Lake Okeechobee boundaries and enhance the enforcement of current freshwater rules. 

The proposed rule will increase documentation and encourage recycling of largemouth bass by allowing anglers to temporarily possess one, 13 pounds and greater bass in live condition that is over the legal length limit and bag limit until the fish is certified by FWC staff.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY:

Art. IV, Sec. 9, Florida Constitution

LAW:

Art. IV, Sec. 9, Florida Constitution

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

3/21/2013 Vol. 39/56

COMMENTS:

From 3/21/2013 To 4/11/2013 (21 Days)
The public comment period for this notice has already expired.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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