15159274, 68B-5.006 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services

Notice: 15159274

Notice of Proposed Rule

Department:

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Division:

Marine Fisheries

Chapter:

MISCELLANEOUS

Overview

RULE:

68B-5.006

Lionfish

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this rule amendment is to curtail the introduction of new lionfish into Florida waters via the aquaculture industry.  Chapter 68B-5.006, FAC, will be amended to prohibit the harvest and possession of lionfish eggs and larvae for any purpose other than destruction.  The amendment would also prohibit captive breeding of lionfish, the cultivation of lionfish eggs or larvae, and authorize issuance of a research permit for the otherwise prohibited aquaculture of lionfish.  

The effect of this rule will be to prevent the addition of new lionfish into Florida waters from the aquaculture industry.  Prohibiting harvest and possession of lionfish eggs and larvae for purposes other than destruction will prevent harvest for aquaculture purposes which would likely increase survivorship of these species at a life stage that is otherwise expected to be subject to higher mortality if left in the wild.

SUMMARY:

This rule would prevent the introduction of new lionfish into Florida waters by the aquaculture industry  by prohibiting captive breeding of lionfish, cultivating lionfish eggs or possessing lionfish eggs or larvae for any purpose other than distruction.  The rule would continue to allow for research that could contribute to lionfish control by authorizing the issuance of a research permit for the otherwise prohibited aquaculture of lionfish.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution

LAW:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

10/9/2014 Vol. 40/197

COMMENTS:

From 10/9/2014 To 10/30/2014 (21 Days)
The public comment period for this notice has already expired.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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