20359056, 68B-27.0175 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services

Notice: 20359056

Notice of Proposed Rule

Department:

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Division:

Marine Fisheries

Chapter:

OYSTERS

Overview

RULE:

68B-27.0175

West Bay (Bay County) Oyster Harvesting Restrictions

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this rule is to provide protection of the subtidal oyster reef units constructed as part of the West Bay Estuarine Habitat Project.

In 2015, the Commission’s Aquatic Habitat Conservation and Restoration Section began constructing subtidal oyster reef units along the western shoreline of West Bay (within the St. Andrews Bay estuary) as part of a multi-phase restoration project.  The purpose of this project is to create oyster reef habitat along an area of shoreline in the bay which historically has not had oysters because a lack of substrate for larvae to settle on.  This project is expected to increase oyster recruitment to nearby harvestable reefs, reduce shoreline erosion, improve water quality, promote seagrass growth, and expand nursery habitat for both recreationally and commercially important fish.     

The effect of this rule will be to provide protection for the habitat created through the West Bay Estuarine Habitat Project by modifying oyster regulations found in 68B-27, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) to prohibit harvest or possession of oysters within the project boundary.

SUMMARY:

With support of the Bay County Oystermen’s Association, this rule will prohibit all harvest or possession of oysters within the West Bay Estuarine Habitat Restoration Project to facilitate long-term habitat and seagrass restoration.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution

LAW:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

5/1/2018 Vol. 44/85

COMMENTS:

From 5/1/2018 To 5/22/2018 (21 Days)
The public comment period for this notice has already expired.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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