14536437, 68B-4.012 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services

Notice: 14536437

Notice of Proposed Rule

Department:

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Division:

Marine Fisheries

Chapter:

GEAR SPECIFICATIONS AND PROHIBITED GEAR

Overview

RULE:

68B-4.012

Diving: Powerheads and Rebreathers, Use to Harvest Fish in State Waters Prohibited; Definition; Spearfishing Marine Species in Fresh Water Prohibited

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this rule amendment is to allow a person diving in state waters by means of a rebreather to harvest and possess lionfish. Harvest by divers is currently the primary means of lionfish population control, but harvest of any marine species while diving by means of a rebreather is currently prohibited. 

The effect of this rule amendment will be to generate additional opportunities for divers to remove invasive lionfish from Florida’s waters, by removing a regulatory impediment to their harvest.

SUMMARY:

Rule 68B-4.012 will be amended to include a provision allowing persons diving by means of a rebreather to harvest lionfish from state waters and to possess lionfish harvested by persons diving by means of a rebreather to possess lionfish while in state waters.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution.

LAW:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution.

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

5/8/2014 Vol. 40/90

COMMENTS:

From 5/8/2014 To 5/29/2014 (21 Days)
The public comment period for this notice has already expired.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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