19881525, 68B-14.0035 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Notice: 19881525

Notice of Proposed Rule

Department:

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Division:

Marine Fisheries

Chapter:

REEF FISH

Overview

RULE:

68B-14.0035	Size Limits: Amberjacks, Black Sea Bass, Gray Triggerfish, Grouper, Hogfish, Red Porgy, Snapper
68B-14.0036	Recreational Bag Limits: Snapper, Grouper, Hogfish, Black Sea Bass, Red Porgy, Amberjacks, Tilefish, Exception, Wholesale/Retail Purchase Exemption
68B-14.0041	Recreational Gulf Gray Triggerfish Season

PURPOSE:

A federal stock assessment completed in 2015 showed that gray triggerfish continue to be overfished in the Gulf of Mexico. The new rule would modify recreational harvest regulations in Gulf of Mexico state waters by decreasing the recreational bag limit from 2 to 1 fish per person per day, increasing the recreational size limit from 14 to 15 inches fork length, and adding a January 1 through end of February closed season to the current June 1 – July 31 closure. The purpose of these rules is to achieve consistency between the Commission’s Gulf gray triggerfish regulations and federal regulations in the Gulf of Mexico.  The Secretary of Commerce has approved similar rules for Gulf of Mexico federal waters and these regulations take effect on January 16, 2018.  

The effect of this rule amendment is that federal and state regulations can be applied more consistently to recreational harvest of gray triggerfish in the Gulf of Mexico. A consistent recreational bag limit, size limit, and closed season in state waters would contribute to the federal rebuilding plan and reduce the likelihood of catch exceeding federal annual catch limits. This should help ensure a sustainable harvest for the future.

68B-14.0035, F.A.C., would be modified to increase the minimum size limit for recreational harvest of gray triggerfish in the Gulf of Mexico from 14 to 15 inches fork length.  68B-14.0036, F.A.C. would be modified to decrease the recreational bag limit from to 2 to 1 gray triggerfish in the Gulf of Mexico.  Lastly, 68B-14.0041, F.A.C. would be modified to add a recreational harvest closure from January 1 through the end of February each year.  These changes were approved by the Commission at their July 10-11, 2017, meeting in Orlando.

SUMMARY:

Bud Vielhauer, General Counsel, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600, (850) 487-1764.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution

LAW:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

12/26/2017 Vol. 43/247

COMMENTS:

From 12/26/2017 To 1/9/2018 (14 Days)
The public comment period for this notice has already expired.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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