12996562, 68B-34.001 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services

Notice: 12996562

Notice of Proposed Rule

Department:

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Division:

Marine Fisheries

Chapter:

BONEFISH

Overview

RULE:

68B-34.001	Purpose and Intent
68B-34.002	Definitions
68B-34.003	Size Limits
68B-34.004	Harvest of Bonefish Prohibited; Restrictions on Possession of Bonefish
68B-34.005	Seasons
68B-34.006	Allowed and Prohibited Gear and Method of Harvest

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this rule amendment is to establish bonefish as a catch and release only fishery, in recognition of the fact that its economic and fishing value as a catch and release fishery greatly exceeds its value as a food fish. This rule amendment will convey that bonefish will be managed as a catch and release only fishery, remove the definition of “organized tournament,” and eliminate the tournament exemption permit altogether, as well as all references to the exemption. This rulemaking is also part of a rule cleanup effort of Division 68B that will standardize chapters by using the same format for each rule that regulates species, making specific provisions easier to find. Additionally, rule language has been clarified and outdated language has been removed.  

The effect of this rule amendment will be a catch and release only fishery, with possession of bonefish being allowed only temporarily for photographing, measuring, and weighing at the site of capture. Additionally, the rules will conform to the new standardized format for Division 68B.

SUMMARY:

Rules 68B-34.001, 68B-34.002, 68B-34.004, and 68B-34.005 will be amended to eliminate, and remove all references to, the tournament exemption permit, thus establishing bonefish as a catch and release only fishery. The rule amendments will also reformat the rule to conform to the new style for Chapter 68B developed under the FWC’s 68B rule cleanup process.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution.

LAW:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution.

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

5/14/2013 Vol. 39/94

COMMENTS:

From 5/14/2013 To 6/4/2013 (21 Days)
The public comment period for this notice has already expired.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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