Changes proposed to marine special activity license (SAL) programĀ 
Sports, Wildlife  |  Sat - September 21, 2024 11:57 pm  |  Article Hits:84  |  A+ | a-
 
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

At its September meeting, in Duck Key, Florida, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) proposed changes to improve the Marine Special Activity License (SAL) program licensing process, accommodate additional requested activities, and update provisions to several license types.

The proposed changes include:
• General rule updates and clarifications to remove outdated and unnecessary language.
• Removing limit on the number of persons authorized to operate under an SAL.
• Streamlining FWC Law Enforcement notification process for licensees.
• Specify that a third-party contractor may only be authorized on Scientific Research, Education/Exhibition and Governmental Purpose SALs.
• Rule changes to accommodate additional requested activities, including coral, oyster and seagrass restoration.
• Extending maximum license periods for Scientific Research, Education/Exhibition and Aquaculture Broodstock Collection SALs.
• Modifying eligibility requirements for Education/Exhibition, Aquaculture Broodstock Collection, and Stock Collection and Release SALs.
• Repealing the Dredge SAL.

FWC staff members will continue to gather input on the proposed rules ahead of a planned final rule hearing at the December 2024 Commission meeting. If you would like to submit a public comment on the proposed updates to the Marine SAL program, visit MyFWC.com/SaltwaterComments.

The SAL rule is being updated in two phases. This proposed rule is part of Phase I.  FWC staff members plan to bring Phase II updates to the Marine SAL program before the FWC Commission in 2025. We encourage all interested parties who would like additional changes to the SAL rule to submit recommendations for Phase II at MyFWC.com/SaltwaterComments or email them to Marine@MyFWC.com.

For information on the current marine SAL program, visit MyFWC.com/license/saltwater/special-activity-licenses.

See the Marine Special Activity License Agenda Document at MyFWC.com/media/gkgborfa/6b-presentation-marinesal.pdf.
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