19717401, 68B-19.002 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services

Notice: 19717401

Notice of Proposed Rule

Department:

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Division:

Marine Fisheries

Chapter:

COBIA

Overview

RULE:

68B-19.002	Definitions
68B-19.003	Size Limit; Landed in Whole Condition Requirement
68B-19.004	Bag and Vessel Limits

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this rule amendment is to provide for the further conservation of cobia off Florida’s Gulf coast by modifying the regulations found in 68B-19, Florida Administrative Code.

Cobia off the coast of Florida are part of a migratory stock that ranges throughout the Gulf of Mexico and Florida’s east coast.  The 2013 federal stock assessment for this stock did not indicate there was cause for concern at the time.  However, stakeholders in Florida, particularly the Panhandle, have expressed concerns about the status of this fishery in recent years.  Based on the available scientific information and public feedback, the proposed rule will provide additional conservation measures for cobia in the state waters of the Gulf of Mexico until the next stock assessment is completed in 2019.

The effect of this rule will be to define the “Gulf Region” for the purpose of managing cobia in Florida state waters as state waters north of the Monroe – Collier county line (25°48.216’ North Latitude) and the “Atlantic Region” as all other state waters.  The rule will also increase the minimum size limit from 33 to 38 inches fork length, reduce the commercial bag limit from two to one cobia per harvester per day (consistent with the current recreational bag limit), and reduce the commercial and recreational vessel limits from six to two cobia per day, regardless of the number of persons onboard in the Gulf Region.

SUMMARY:

This rule will increase the minimum size limit of cobia to 38 inches fork length, reduce the commercial bag limit from two to one cobia per harvester per day, and reduce the commercial and recreational vessel limits from six to two cobia per day.  These changes would apply to Gulf state waters north of the Monroe – Collier county line (25°48.216’ North Latitude).

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution

LAW:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

11/8/2017 Vol. 43/217

COMMENTS:

From 11/8/2017 To 11/29/2017 (21 Days)
The public comment period for this notice has already expired.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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