31072997, 68B-44.002 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services

Notice: 31072997

Notice of Meeting/Workshop Hearing

Department:

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Division:

Marine Fisheries

Chapter:

SHARKS AND RAYS

Overview

RULE:

68B-44.002	Definitions
68B-44.003	Size Limit; Landing in Whole Condition Requirement
68B-44.004	Bag and Vessel Limits Applicable to Florida Waters; Restrictions on Possession of Prohibited Species; Transit Through Florida Waters
68B-44.005	Commercial Closures
68B-44.006	Allowed Gear; Prohibited Gear and Methods of Harvest; Required Gear
68B-44.007	Sale and Purchase Requirements
68B-44.008	Open and Closed Areas
68B-44.009	License Requirements

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 is considering establishing regulations specific to the harvest of cownose rays in Florida state and federal waters and is holding a virtual public workshop to gather public input. Currently, there are no regulations specific to cownose rays, meaning harvesters with a recreational saltwater fishing license may retain up to 100 pounds per day, and there are no limits for harvesters with a commercial Saltwater Products License. FWC staff are seeking input on potential regulations for cownose ray, including harvest, possession, and transportation limits; allowed gear; licensing; and purchase or sale requirements. Rule changes under consideration include a recreational bag and possession limit of 2 cownose rays per person or per vessel, whichever is less, and a commercial bag and possession limit of 20 cownose rays per commercial harvester or per vessel, whichever is less.
During the virtual workshop, staff will deliver a presentation providing an overview of cownose rays in Florida, the purpose of establishing regulations, and potential rules. Public feedback gathered during this workshop will be considered in developing rule recommendations for the Commission to consider at the August 2026 meeting.

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:

6/30/2026 Vol. 52/126

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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