8142585, 68-5.001 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services

Notice: 8142585

Notice of Proposed Rule

Department:

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Chapter:

RULES RELATING TO NON-NATIVE SPECIES

Overview

RULE:

68-5.001	Purpose and Intent
68-5.002	Definitions
68-5.003	Introduction of Non-Native Species into the State

PURPOSE:

The purpose of the proposed rule changes is to (1) update and clarify requirements for the issuance of permits for the importation and possession of conditional and prohibited species; (2) codify eligibility requirements for issuance of such permits; (3) establish criteria for denial of research permits for conditional and prohibited species; and (4) retain conditional and prohibited species status for any taxa that subsequently undergoes any taxonomic alterations, such as reclassifying into a different genus or splitting into subspecies.
The Commission is considering changes to state regulations that would: (1) revise protocols for importation of leopard (Geochelone pardalis), African spurred (Geochelone sulcata) and Bell’s hingeback tortoises (Kinixys belliana); (2) prohibit the outdoor culture and harvest of Nile perches (family Latidae) from aquaculture facilities using fee fishing; (3) add the Northern largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides salmoides) as a conditional species to prevent the genetic contamination of the native Florida subspecies; and (4) add the Quagga mussel (Dreissena bugensis) as a prohibited species, which has been as problematic as zebra mussels in the Great Lakes, and the genus Dreissena is on the federal list of injurious wildlife.
The effects of these rule changes will be stricter, more consistent regulations regarding the importation and possession of certain nonnative species, conditional species and prohibited species. These species are considered to be dangerous to the ecology and/or the health and welfare of the people of Florida. By adopting these regulations the State of Florida will be contributing to the effort to prevent introductions of non-native species.

SUMMARY:

Rule 68-5.001, F.A.C. (Introduction of Non-native Species into the State) would be amended to codify eligibility requirements for issuance of research permits for conditional species, establish criteria for denial of research permits for conditional and prohibited species and revise protocols for importation of leopard, African spurred and Bell’s hingeback tortoises. Rule 68-5.002, F.A.C. (Conditional Non-native species) would be amended so that the owners of certain aquaculture facilities where Nile perches are possessed will be limited to using indoor facilities and prohibited from allowing take on a fee or for-hire basis using hook and line or rod and reel and that the Northern largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides salmoides) would be added as a conditional species while allowing possession of hybrid bass on the Suwannee River and its tributaries and to the north and west of same. Rule 68-5.003, F.A.C. (Prohibited Non-native Species) would be amended so the Quagga mussel (Dreissena bugensis) would be added as a prohibited species. Quagga mussels are closely related to the zebra mussel, which is already a prohibited species.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution.

LAW:

Article IV, Section 9, Florida Constitution.

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

1/15/2010 Vol. 36/02

COMMENTS:

From 1/15/2010 To 2/5/2010 (21 Days)
The public comment period for this notice has already expired.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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