18603550, 68B-4.011 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services

Notice: 18603550

Notice of Proposed Rule

Department:

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Division:

Marine Fisheries

Chapter:

GEAR SPECIFICATIONS AND PROHIBITED GEAR

Overview

RULE:

68B-4.011	Prohibition of Net Fishing in Faka Union River, Collier County
68B-4.017	Gear Specifications for the Southwest Region: Exceptions to Statewide Net Gear Requirements; Areas Closed to Net Fishing; J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge/Sanibel Conservation Zone; Blind Pass Seasonal Closure to Net Fishing; Definition

PURPOSE:

The purpose of these rule amendments is to correct or update geographic references in rule to match the positions of the referenced or other present-day landmarks in Chapter 68B-4, Florida Administrative Code using current technology and to update existing coordinates to conform to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) format.

Many of the Commission’s marine fisheries rules contain geographic coordinates that define the boundaries of where rules apply.  Over time some of these coordinates have become inaccurate for a variety of reasons, including the repositioning or removals of landmarks like navigation aids and piers and natural changes in shorelines.  The accuracy of GPS technology has also improved since many of these coordinates were established.  Currently, the rule defining the mouth of the Faka Union River defines it as a line between two aids to navigation that no longer exist.  In addition, no geographic coordinates were listed for the aids to navigation in the rule, leaving the current definition unclear.  The rule defining the mouths of the Estero River and Hendry Creek in Lee County contains highly inaccurate geographic coordinates that will be updated using current technology.  In addition to correcting coordinates defining the mouths of these waterbodies, these rules contain coordinates in the format of degrees-minutes-seconds which will be translated to degrees-decimal minute and formatted to match ISO standards for increased public understanding. 

The effect of these rule amendments will be improved definitions the mouths of the Faka Union River, Estero River, and Hendry Creek using geographic coordinates and update existing coordinates to conform to the current ISO standard format.  This will lead to more easily understood regulatory boundaries for these waterbodies and improved public understanding of the rules.

SUMMARY:

These rules will improve the definitions of the mouths of the Faka Union River, Estero River, and Hendry Creek, using geographic coordinates and update the format of existing coordinates to match ISO standards, leading to an improved definition and public understanding

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution

LAW:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

2/14/2017 Vol. 43/30

COMMENTS:

From 2/14/2017 To 3/7/2017 (21 Days)
The public comment period for this notice has already expired.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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