Notice of Development of Rulemaking

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Marine Fisheries
RULE NO: RULE TITLE
68B-24.009: Trap Reduction Schedule
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this rule development effort is to continue the suspension on the annual reduction of spiny lobster traps through the 2007-2008 license year. The suspension was implemented at the beginning of the Commission-mandated three-year evaluation of the spiny lobster fishery. The evaluation was scheduled to be completed at the end of 2006. However, it is now scheduled to continue through 2007, and the rule amendment is necessary to continue the suspension of trap reduction through the conclusion of the evaluation.
SUBJECT AREA TO BE ADDRESSED: Spiny lobster trap reduction.
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: James V. Antista, General Counsel, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600, (850)487-1764.

THE PRELIMINARY TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT IS:

68B-24.009 Trap Reduction Schedule.

(1) through (3) No change.

(4) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (1)-(3) of this rule, no trap reductions shall take place in the license years beginning with the 2004-2005 license year and continuing through the 2007-2008 2006-2007 license year.

Specific Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. History–New 3-1-92, Amended 6-1-94, 6-3-96, 3-5-97, Formerly 46-24.009, Amended 6-29-00, 7-1-01, 4-1-04,__________.