23099403, 68B-14.009 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services

Notice: 23099403

Notice of Proposed Rule

Department:

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Division:

Marine Fisheries

Chapter:

REEF FISH

Overview

RULE:

68B-14.009

Reporting Requirement

PURPOSE:

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (Commission) is considering a proposed rule amendment that would replace the reporting requirements of the Gulf Reef Fish Survey (GRFS), which expires June 30, 2020, with those of a State Reef Fish Survey (SRFS). This change would require recreational harvesters to annually report if they intend to fish for or possess certain reef fish species while aboard a private vessel in or on Florida waters.  The reef fish included in the SRFS reporting requirement would be the same as those for GRFS (red snapper, vermilion snapper, black grouper, gag grouper, red grouper, greater amberjack, lesser amberjack, almaco jack, banded rudderfish, and gray triggerfish) plus mutton snapper, yellowtail snapper, and hogfish.  Additionally, the proposed rule amendment would remove an outdated reference to the 2018 and 2019 Gulf Reef Fish State For-hire Pilot Program, which has ended. 

The effects of the rule amendment would be enhanced data collection for recreationally-caught reef fish throughout Florida.  SRFS would be used to collect more accurate, precise, and timely catch and effort estimates to inform management of key recreational reef fish fisheries statewide.

SUMMARY:

The rule amendment would replace the Gulf Reef Fish Survey with the State Reef Fish Survey and create an annual requirement for recreational fishers to report if they intend to harvest, attempt to harvest, or possess certain reef fish while aboard a private vessel in or on Florida waters.  The rule amendment would add mutton snapper, yellowtail snapper, and hogfish to list of reef fish included in this reporting requirement.  The rule amendment would also remove outdated rule language regarding an expired for-hire data collection program.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY:

Art. IV, Sec. 9, Florida Constitution.

LAW:

Art. IV, Sec. 9, Florida Constitution.

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

4/1/2020 Vol. 46/64

COMMENTS:

From 4/1/2020 To 4/22/2020 (21 Days)
The public comment period for this notice has already expired.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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