17021480, 68B-42.0036 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services

Notice: 17021480

Notice of Proposed Rule

Department:

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Division:

Marine Fisheries

Chapter:

MARINE LIFE

Overview

RULE:

68B-42.0036	Closed Areas
68B-42.005	Recreational Bag Limit
68B-42.006	Commercial Season, Harvest Limits

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this rule development is to establish additional management measures to address dwarf seahorse population concerns.  These rules will modify recreational and commercial bag limits, establish an annual commercial quota, and establish an allowable harvest area for dwarf seahorses.  Additional minor changes to the rule language will correct out-dated, erroneous cross-references inadvertently created during previous Commission rule changes.

The dwarf seahorse is managed as part of the Marine Life (aquarium trade/tropical ornamental) fishery and therefore benefits from several long-term management measures, including statewide gear regulations, bag limits, and an endorsement program that limits participation in the commercial fishery.  This species has a limited geographic range and is dependent on seagrass habitat.  Stakeholders have expressed concerns about the population status of the dwarf seahorse and NOAA Fisheries has received a petition recommending the species for listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).  Available data suggest abundance may be low, particularly in northern portions of the state, and that this species may be slow to rebound from temporary seagrass loss.  

The additional management measures will further ensure the sustainability of the dwarf seahorse population and the fishery that targets them, and is intended to help prevent the need for listing under the ESA.

SUMMARY:

This rule will would establish additional management measures to address dwarf seahorse population concerns.  The recommended measures are expected to stabilize and improve dwarf seahorse populations throughout the state and may help prevent the need to list this species under ESA.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution

LAW:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

1/12/2016 Vol. 42/07

COMMENTS:

From 1/12/2016 To 2/2/2016 (21 Days)
The public comment period for this notice has already expired.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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