26612452, 68C-22.029 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services

Notice: 26612452

Notice of Proposed Rule

Department:

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Division:

Manatees

Chapter:

THE FLORIDA MANATEE SANCTUARY ACT

Overview

RULE:

68C-22.029

Cape Canaveral Energy Center Interim Warm-water Refuge Zone

PURPOSE:

The purpose of the proposed rule is to establish a seasonal manatee protection zone at the Florida Power & Light (FPL) Cape Canaveral Energy Center Interim Warm-water Refuge (IWWR) in Brevard County. The effect of the action would be to provide seasonal protection for a concentration of manatees utilizing this IWWR and support continued manatee Unusual Mortality Event (UME) response. Additional information is available at: http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/managed/manatee/rulemaking/.

SUMMARY:

In late December 2021, under emergency rule authority, a 90-day No Entry Zone was established at the IWWR at the Cape Canaveral Energy Center (CCEC) in Brevard County. This location served as the Temporary Field Response Station (TFRS) for the joint Unified Command UME response throughout the winter, and the temporary No Entry Zone provided protections to manatees and the public during response actions. Most manatees had dispersed to spring and summer habitats by late March and the Zone was removed. The FWC and USFWS expect to continue the UME response at the TFRS this winter (2022-2023). In support of these actions and future manatee use of the IWWR, the FWC intends to establish a permanent, Seasonal No Entry Zone to restrict access to the FPL-CCEC intake canal and the IWWR from November 15 through March 31. Currently, the FPL-CCEC intake canal area is regulated as a Seasonal Idle Speed Zone. The proposed action is intended to restrict human and vessel entry to the area and will reduce disturbance to concentrations of manatees using the IWWR during the winter season.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY:

379.2431(2), F.S.

LAW:

379.2431(2), F.S.

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

12/7/2022 Vol. 48/236

COMMENTS:

From 12/7/2022 To 12/28/2022 (21 Days)
The public comment period for this notice has already expired.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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