492001, 68B-45.004 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services

Notice: 492001

Notice of Proposed Rule

Department:

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Division:

Marine Fisheries

Chapter:

BLUE CRAB

Overview

RULE:

68B-45.004	Regulation and Prohibition of Certain Harvesting Gear
68B-45.007	Blue Crab Effort Management Program

PURPOSE:

The purpose of these rule amendments is to continue the moratorium on issuance of new blue crab endorsements until July 1, 2007, and to delay until that date the implementation of the Blue Crab Limited Entry Program. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission had adopted rules that would have implemented the final effort management plan for the commercial blue crab fishery on July 1, 2006. These rule amendments are necessary to delay the program until penalties applicable to specific requirements and prohibitions in the implementing rules of the Commission and fees to be charged by the Commission under the program can be passed by the Florida Legislature and to replace Emergency Rule 68BER06-1 before its expiration. The effect of these rule amendments would be to maintain the commercial fishery in its current regulatory state until the Florida Legislature establishes the appropriate penalties and fees.

SUMMARY:

Rule 68B-45.004, F.A.C., is amended to extend the moratorium on the issuance of new blue crab endorsements until July 1, 2007.  Rule 68-45.007, F.A.C., is amended to delay for one year the implementation of the  program established by the rule and to change the name of the program from the “Blue Crab Limited Entry Endorsement Program” to the “Blue Crab Effort Management Program”.  Various filing and qualification deadlines and start dates for program requirements are amended to reflect the one-year delay in implementation of the program. The change in the name of the program necessitates updating the forms incorporated by reference in the rule. The date of dissolution of the blue crab advisory board is extended by one year.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution.

LAW:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution.

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

7/14/2006 Vol. 32/28

COMMENTS:

From 7/14/2006 To 8/4/2006 (21 Days)
The public comment period for this notice has already expired.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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