30278858, 68B-8.001 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services

Notice: 30278858

Notice of Meeting/Workshop Hearing

Department:

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Division:

Marine Fisheries

Chapter:

MARINE SPECIAL ACTIVITY LICENSE PROGRAM

Overview

RULE:

68B-8.001	Purpose and Intent
68B-8.002	Definitions
68B-8.003	General Conditions and Restrictions
68B-8.005	Third Party Contractors
68B-8.006	Scientific Research Special Activity License
68B-8.007	Education/Exhibition Special Activity License
68B-8.008	Florida Marine Science Educators Association Certification
68B-8.009	Prohibited Species Collection Criteria
68B-8.010	Stock Collection and Release Special Activity License
68B-8.011	Aquaculture Broodstock Collection Special Activity License
68B-8.012	Snook Special Activity License
68B-8.013	Non-Conforming Gear Special Activity Licenses and Exemptions
68B-8.014	Marine Chemical Special Activity License
68B-8.016	Commission Activities and Agreements

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announces a workshop to which all persons are invited.

DATE AND TIME:

PLACE:

Subject:

The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is considering changes to rules governing the Marine Special Activity License (SAL) program and is holding a virtual public workshop to gather public input related to the collection of marine prohibited species. Currently, marine prohibited species include marine organisms for which harvest, possession, or sale is prohibited by FWC rule or Chapter 379, F.S., such as giant manta ray, devil ray, tarpon, Goliath grouper, bonefish, and Bahama starfish. Potential changes under consideration include clarifying the definition of the term “prohibited species”; limitations on collection of marine prohibited species for exhibition; updates to evaluation criteria for requests to collect marine prohibited species for exhibition in public aquariums; updates to eligibility requirements; evaluation criteria; license conditions; as well as updates to the Education/Exhibition, Aquaculture Broodstock Collection, and Governmental Purpose SALs.  
During the virtual workshop, staff will provide a presentation on the current regulations related to the collection of marine prohibited species for exhibition through the Marine SAL program and seek feedback on a range of potential rule changes. Public feedback gathered during this workshop will be considered when developing rule recommendations for the Commission. 
These potential changes represent a portion of the third phase of a multi-phase project that began in 2024 to update and streamline the rules governing the Marine SAL program. FWC staff will hold an additional virtual public workshop to gather feedback on other potential Phase III rule changes, including the Florida Marine Science Educators Association Certification. A separate notice will be published to advertise this additional public workshop.

A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting: Jessica McCawley, at 620 South Meridian St., Tallahassee, Florida 32399, (850)487-0554, or Jessica.McCawley@MyFWC.com.

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

12/3/2025 Vol. 51/233

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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