29509454, 68B-14.004 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services

Notice: 29509454

Notice of Proposed Rule

Department:

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Division:

Marine Fisheries

Chapter:

REEF FISH

Overview

RULE:

68B-14.004

Recreational Amberjack Season

PURPOSE:

Gulf of Mexico greater amberjack harvest primarily occur in federal waters but can also be harvested in Gulf state waters. In Gulf federal waters, the species is managed with quotas, size and bag limits, and an open harvest season to prevent overfishing. The most recent stock assessment for Gulf greater amberjack indicated that the stock is overfished and is currently undergoing overfishing.  To reduce harvest and end overfishing, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (Council) took action to modify the recreational federal fishing season.  The new season in Gulf federal waters was implemented by NOAA Fisheries on August 1, 2024. 

At its December 2024 meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission approved a rule to modify the recreational season for greater amberjack in Florida’s Gulf of Mexico state waters to be consistent with regulations in adjacent federal waters.  Specifically, the regulation change modifies the greater amberjack open recreational season to September 1 through October 31, each year in Gulf of Mexico state waters. The purpose of this federal consistency action is to help rebuild the Gulf greater amberjack stock and end overfishing. The effects of this federal consistency action are to modify the greater amberjack season in Gulf of Mexico state waters consistent with the season in adjacent federal waters, thereby reducing the risk of overfishing and harvest closures in federal waters, as well as aid in compliance.

SUMMARY:

Jessica McCawley, Director, Division of Marine Fisheries Management, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 620 S. Meridian St., Tallahassee, Florida 32399.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution

LAW:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

4/25/2025 Vol. 51/81

COMMENTS:

From 4/25/2025 To 5/16/2025 (21 Days)

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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