20358280, 68A-20.005 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services

Notice: 20358280

Notice of Proposed Rule

Department:

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Division:

Freshwater Fish and Wildlife

Chapter:

FISH MANAGEMENT AREAS

Overview

RULE:

68A-20.005

Specific Fish Management Area Regulations

PURPOSE:

The purpose of the proposed rule amendment is to simplify rules related to freshwater fishing opportunities on both Tenoroc Fish Management Area (FMA) and Mosaic FMA. The effect will be to expand fishing opportunities at Tenoroc FMA by opening new areas to fishing at Tenoroc and reducing special regulations at both FMAs.

SUMMARY:

The current regulation on the Tenoroc lakes requires staff to monitor daily catch rates and adjust lake quotas if the number of largemouth bass caught per hour of fishing drops below 0.30 fish per hour.  The quality of the fishery provided at the Tenoroc lakes has never necessitated that this rule be implemented.  Should there be a need to adjust management strategies at any of the Tenoroc lakes, Rule 68A-20.005(4)(i)(1)(c), Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) provides staff with the ability to limit fishing access or harvest as appropriate.  The proposed amendment removes this requirement and reduces regulations at Tenoroc FMA’s Long Lake to allow for the harvest of black bass and other game species consistent with the Black Bass Management Plan and statewide regulations.  

In a continued effort to reduce the number of special regulations, the proposed amendment would increase the maximum total length for largemouth bass allowed to be harvested at both Mosaic and Tenoroc FMAs and provide access to an area that was previously closed.

These changes are aimed at increasing angler satisfaction while still managing the lakes in such a way as to provide a quality fishing experience.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution

LAW:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

5/1/2018 Vol. 44/85

COMMENTS:

From 5/1/2018 To 5/22/2018 (21 Days)
The public comment period for this notice has already expired.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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