RULE NO: RULE TITLE
68B-8.002: Definitions
68B-8.003: General Conditions and Restrictions
68B-8.006: Scientific Research Special Activity License
68B-8.007: Education/Exhibition Special Activity License
68B-8.008: Florida Marine Science Educators Certification
68B-8.009: Prohibited Species Collection Criteria
68B-8.010: Stock Collection and Release Special Activity License
68B-8.011: Aquaculture Broodstock Collection Special Activity License
68B-8.012: Snook Special Activity License
68B-8.013: Non-Conforming Gear Special Activity Licenses and Exemptions
68B-8.014: Marine Chemical Special Activity License
68B-8.016: Commission Activities and Agreements
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of these rule amendments are to define or re-define terms that are used throughout the rules, clarify activities that require licensing, address new issues identified by stakeholders and FWC staff, and update or add agency policies and remove obsolete rule language. The purpose of the amendments to Rule 68B-8.002, F.A.C., is to define or re-define terms that are used throughout the rule. The purpose of the amendments to Rule 68B-8.003, F.A.C., is to improve customer service by increasing application windows, incorporating other agencies within the application review process, reduction of documentation requirements, and clarification of activities that require licensing. The purpose of the amendments to Rule 68B-8.006, F.A.C., is to expand the types of activities that may be conducted pursuant to a Scientific Research Special Activity License. The purpose of the amendments to Rule 68B-8.007, F.A.C., is to modify display requirements for the benefit of marine animals collected for education or exhibition purposes. The purpose of the amendments to Rule 68B-8.008, F.A.C., is to clarify that the Florida Marine Science Educators Certification is not limited to marine species. The purpose of the amendments to Rule 68B-8.009, F.A.C., is to provide applicants with more concise criteria regarding how requests to collect prohibited species are evaluated through the adoption of standards currently established through agency policy. The purpose of the amendments to Rule 68B-8.010, F.A.C., is to provide clarification of activities that involve releases of marine organisms and require licensing, update genetic standards for release activities including incorporation by reference of the genetic risk assessment flow chart, and modify health certification requirements based on recommendations made by participants of a Marine Animal Health workshop held by the agency in January 2008. The purpose of the amendments to Rule 68B-8.011, F.A.C., is to provide for clarification on the requirements for receiving an aquaculture broodstock collection Special Activity License. The purpose of the amendments to Rule 68B-8.012, F.A.C., is to address the exchange of aquacultured snook that are transferred and not sold. The purpose of the amendments to Rule 68B-8.013, F.A.C., is to allow for scientific researchers to apply for and receive a Gear Innovation Special Activity License which is currently only restricted to commercial fishers. The purpose of the amendments to Rule 68B-8.014, F.A.C., is to provide consistency with recent changes to the agency’s licensing requirements for the Marine Life Fishery. The purpose of the amendments to Rule 68B-8.016, F.A.C., is to clarify that a Special Activity License is not required for activities conducted by the staff of the Keys Marine Laboratory. These proposed amendments reflect the Marine Special Activity License Program’s progress and development within the agency.
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Marine Special Activity License Program.
SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: Art. IV, Sec. 9, Florida Constitution.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: Art. IV, Sec. 9, Florida Constitution.
IF REQUESTED IN WRITING AND NOT DEEMED UNNECESSARY BY THE AGENCY HEAD, A RULE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP WILL BE NOTICED IN THE NEXT AVAILABLE FLORIDA ADMINISTRATIVE WEEKLY.
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT AND A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY DRAFT, IF AVAILABLE, IS: Lisa Gregg, Division of Marine Fisheries Management, Marine Fisheries Services, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Mail Code 4B3, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600, (850)487-0580

THE PRELIMINARY TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT IS NOT AVAILABLE.