20602429, 68B-14.0035 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services

Notice: 20602429

Notice of Proposed Rule

Department:

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Division:

Marine Fisheries

Chapter:

REEF FISH

Overview

RULE:

68B-14.0035

Size Limits: Amberjacks, Black Sea Bass, Gray Triggerfish, Grouper, Hogfish, Red Porgy, Snapper

PURPOSE:

NOAA Fisheries approved a rule increasing the commercial minimum size limit from 22 to 24 inches total length for gag grouper in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico (see 50 C.F.R. §622.37(b)(1) as of July 23, 2018). This change was requested by Florida commercial grouper fishermen and will make the Gulf commercial size limit consistent with the size limit in the Atlantic Ocean. The purpose of these rules is to achieve consistency between the Commission’s gag grouper regulations and regulations in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico. 

The effect of the rule amendment is that state and federal regulations can be applied more consistently to recreational fishing activity for gag grouper in the Gulf of Mexico. In addition, a 24-inch total length commercial minimum size limit for gag grouper in state waters of the Gulf of Mexico would match the current size limit for recreational harvest, as well as for commercial harvest in state and federal waters of the Atlantic Ocean, making regulations more consistent across both coasts which would improve enforceability and understanding of rules. 

Rule 68B-14.0035, F.A.C. (Size Limits: Amberjacks, Black Sea Bass, Gray Triggerfish, Grouper, Hogfish, Red Porgy, Snapper) would be amended to specify a 24-inch total length minimum size limit for gag grouper commercially harvested in the Gulf of Mexico.

SUMMARY:

Bud Vielhauer, General Counsel, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600, (850) 487-1764.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution

LAW:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

6/28/2018 Vol. 44/126

COMMENTS:

From 6/28/2018 To 7/19/2018 (21 Days)
The public comment period for this notice has already expired.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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