Section 68B-8.015 - Dredge Special Activity License(1) PURPOSE. (a) The purpose of a Dredge SAL is to monitor the use of dredges for the commercial harvest of all species of clams and mussels from shellfish harvesting areas open to the public.(b) A Dredge SAL will not be issued for the harvest of clams or mussels from state-owned, private lease areas.(c) A Dredge SAL will not be issued for the use of a dredge for the harvest of clams or mussels in Apalachicola Bay.(2) ELIGIBILITY. A Dredge SAL may be issued to a person who holds all of the applicable commercial harvesting licenses, permits, and/or endorsements required for clams and/or mussels.(3) FEES AND APPLICATION. (a) The processing fee for a Dredge SAL is $25.00. A processing fee is non-refundable.(b) The application for a Dredge SAL is in the form of a written request that contains the following information: 1. A list of species targeted for harvest.2. A detailed description of the dredge requested for use, including dimensions and how the dredge will be used.3. A drawing or picture of the dredge requested for use.4. Center point and corner coordinates of each area where the dredge will be used.(4) GENERAL CONDITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS. A Dredge SAL holder is subject to the following general conditions and restrictions: (a) Harvesting activity must be confined to the area(s) specified in the SAL, and may not occur in any area closed to the harvest of shellfish.(b) The dredge may not be pulled in a seagrass bed area.(c) The dredge may not be used in water depths less than 16 feet.(d) Individual tow times may not exceed 30 minutes.(e) Commission staff must be allowed as observers on board the vessel conducting activities pursuant to a Dredge SAL, so long as 48 hours notice is given to the SAL holder.(f) The dredge gear must conform to any marking requirements specified in the SAL.(g) A marine organism harvested pursuant to the SAL must be in compliance with any commercial regulations established for the species being harvested, including but not limited to seasons, commercial limits on harvest and sale, area closures, commercial size limits, and documentation requirements for the commercial sale of marine organisms.(5) REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. A Dredge SAL holder must submit an activity report detailing all SAL-related harvesting activities. The activity report must include the number of trips made during the license period, total number of pounds of whole clams and/or mussels harvested, and the primary area(s) of harvest.Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 68B-8.015
Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const.