13644522, 68A-23.012 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services

Notice: 13644522

Notice of Proposed Rule

Department:

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Division:

Freshwater Fish and Wildlife

Chapter:

RULES RELATING TO FRESHWATER FISH

Overview

RULE:

68A-23.012

Special Regulations on Lake Okeechobee

PURPOSE:

The proposed rule amendment is to reduce conflict among recreational anglers and commercial haul seine operations. The amendment proposes to increase the area in which commercial fishers may use a haul seine by 5,100 acres, clarify current rule language, update the current rule language to utilize new technologies, and allow haul seiners to set their nets at midnight. The boundaries for commercial fishers will be set as Global Positioning System coordinates in the associated permit. The proposed amendment will reduce conflict among user groups, enhance law enforcement of the haul seine program and continue to provide effective protection of both commercial and sport fisheries and the lake ecosystem.

SUMMARY:

Lake Okeechobee is a 730 square mile lake located in South Florida that supports a world-renowned sport fishery and a unique commercial fishery for bluegill and redear sunfish. The proposed rule amendment will reduce user conflicts and clarify current rule language. The proposed rule was developed through cooperative efforts with local stakeholders, partners, Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management, Division of Habitat and Species Conservation, and Division of Law Enforcement.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution

LAW:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

10/8/2013 Vol. 39/196

COMMENTS:

From 10/8/2013 To 10/29/2013 (21 Days)
The public comment period for this notice has already expired.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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