5313386, 68B-24.001 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services

Notice: 5313386

Notice of Proposed Rule

Department:

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Division:

Marine Fisheries

Chapter:

SPINY LOBSTER (CRAWFISH) AND SLIPPER LOBSTER

Overview

RULE:

68B-24.001	Purpose and Intent
68B-24.002	Definitions
68B-24.006	Gear: Traps, Buoys, Identification Requirements, Prohibited Devices
68B-24.007	Other Prohibitions
68B-24.008	Slipper Lobster; Prohibitions Relating to Eggbearing Slipper Lobster (Repealed)
68B-24.009	Trap Reduction Schedule

PURPOSE:

The purpose of these rule amendments and rule repeal is to amend several rule elements of the Commission’s Spiny Lobster Rule. The purpose of amending Rules 68B-24.001, 68B-24.002, and 68B-24.007 and repealing Rule 68B-24.008 is to prohibit the harvest of any eggbearing species of lobster. The effect of this rule will be to provide an added measure of protection to lobster species that occur in Florida waters where the taking of eggbearing individuals is not already prohibited, thus ensuring an added measure of protection to these lobster populations which are part of a healthy ecosystem. The purpose of amending Rule 68B-24.006 is to add rule language to allow up to two spiny lobster endorsement numbers (C-numbers) to be displayed on one vessel to facilitate entry-level participants in the commercial spiny lobster fishery. The effect will be to help facilitate new entrants into the commercial spiny lobster fishery by allowing them to work their gear from another spiny lobster endorsement holder’s vessel. The purpose of amending Rule 68B-24.009 is to extend the moratorium on the lobster trap reduction schedule for one year. The effect will be to maintain the moratorium on trap reduction to allow agency staff to continue to work with representatives of the spiny lobster fishery on a management strategy that will ensure both a healthy and sustainable spiny lobster fishery while reducing impacts on the environment.

SUMMARY:

Rule 68B-24.001, F.A.C., (Purpose and Intent), 68B-24.002, F.A.C., (Definitions), and 68B-24.007 F.A.C., (Other Prohibitions), are amended, and Rule 68B-24.008, F.A.C., (Slipper Lobster; Prohibitions Relating to Eggbearing Slipper Lobster) is repealed to prohibit the harvest of any eggbearing lobster in the spiny, furry and slipper lobster families. Rule 68B-24.006, F.A.C., (Gear: Traps, Buoys, Identification Requirements, Prohibited Devices) is amended to allow up to two spiny lobster (trap) endorsement numbers to be displayed per vessel. Rule 68B-24.009, F.A.C., (Trap Reduction Schedule) is amended to continue the moratorium on the trap reduction schedule until July 1, 2009.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY:

Art. IV, Sec. 9, Florida Constitution.

LAW:

Art. IV, Sec. 9, Florida Constitution.

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

3/7/2008 Vol. 34/10

COMMENTS:

From 3/7/2008 To 3/28/2008 (21 Days)
The public comment period for this notice has already expired.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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