8672593, 68B-5.002 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services

Notice: 8672593

Notice of Proposed Rule

Department:

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Division:

Marine Fisheries

Chapter:

MISCELLANEOUS

Overview

RULE:

68B-5.002

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park: Prohibition on Harvest of Certain Species, Size Limit; Trappers to Comply with Rule 68B-24.0065, F.A.C.

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this rule amendment is to modify the Commission’s Rule for John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Park) to allow lionfish (Pterois volitans) to be taken from the park without size restrictions. In addition, these rule amendments will update outdated scientific names of organisms included in the rule. The rule changes would: 1) remove the prohibition of harvest on any members of the genus Pterois, 2) remove the minimum size limit for any members of the genus Pterois, and 3) update outdated scientific names for organisms included in the rule. The effect of these rule amendments is that lionfish will be able to be removed from John Pennekamp State Park with no restrictions. Staff at the Park requested that the FWC make this rule change. Allowing the harvest of lionfish from the Park will aid in the lionfish eradication efforts already underway in the Florida Keys. This removal is important to Florida’s ecosystems, as lionfish are not native to Florida waters, invasive and can be destructive to the ecosystems.

SUMMARY:

Rule 68B-5.002, F.A.C. (John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park: Prohibition on Harvest of Certain Species, Size Limit; Trappers to Comply with Rule 68B-24.0065) would be amended to allow harvest of any member of the genus from Pterois without size restrictions and to update outdated scientific names of organisms in the rule.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution.

LAW:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution.

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

5/21/2010 Vol. 36/20

COMMENTS:

From 5/21/2010 To 6/11/2010 (21 Days)
The public comment period for this notice has already expired.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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