25298975, 68B-45.002 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services

Notice: 25298975

Notice of Proposed Rule

Department:

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Division:

Marine Fisheries

Chapter:

BLUE CRAB

Overview

RULE:

68B-45.002	Definitions
68B-45.004	Regulation and Prohibition of Certain Harvesting Gear

PURPOSE:

The purpose of these rules amendments is to provide additional conservation of diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) that may encounter blue crab traps.  

The effect of the rule amendments would be to reduce bycatch of diamondback terrapins in blue crab traps by modifying blue crab trap gear requirements to require a maximum rigid throat size in recreational blue crab traps year-round and statewide, and to require a maximum rigid throat size in commercial blue crab traps within specific Terrapin Bycatch Reduction Zones (TBRZ) seasonally by January 1, 2024.

SUMMARY:

These rules would implement a statewide and year-round requirement for recreational blue crab traps to have a maximum rigid throat size of 2 inches by 6 inches, which could be achieved by installing a bycatch reduction device.  These rules would also implement a seasonal and regional requirement for commercial blue crab traps to have a maximum rigid throat size of 2 inches by 6 inches, which could be achieved by installing a bycatch reduction device.  The season for the commercial requirement would be March 1 through October 31 of each year, and would apply in five Terrapin Bycatch Reduction Zones (TBRZs).  The TBRZs would be located in the Big Bend, Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor, the Banana River, and Northeast Florida.  The rule amendments would make the recreational and commercial gear requirements effective January 1, 2024.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution

LAW:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

11/23/2021 Vol. 47/227

COMMENTS:

From 11/23/2021 To 12/14/2021 (21 Days)
The public comment period for this notice has already expired.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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