Notice of Development of Rulemaking

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Marine Fisheries
Rule No. : RULE TITLE :
68B-34.002: Definitions
68B-34.003: Bonefish Size Limit; Bag and Possession Limits; Exception, Gear Restriction
68B-34.004: Temporary Possession of Bonefish
68B-34.005: Bonefish Tournaments, Exemptions
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of these rule amendments is to make bonefish a catch-and release-only fishery and allow temporary possession of bonefish for photographs, measuring, and weighing. The rule amendments would also create a tournament exemption permit that would allow bonefish to be temporarily possessed and transported to a weigh station for tournament purposes.
The effect of these rule amendments would be to provide additional protection for bonefish by prohibiting harvest of bonefish, while still allowing temporary possession of bonefish for record purposes and for tournament weigh-in purposes.
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Subject areas addressed in the rule development notice include a harvest prohibition for bonefish, allowance for temporary possession of bonefish, and creation of a tournament exemption permit.
RULEMAKING 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: Mark Robson, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600, (850)487-0554

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