The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has proposed a draft rule that could help local oystermen get on the water earlier without having to worry about getting a ticket.
The FWC has proposed allowing oystermen to have tongs on their boats at night. This would allow oyster harvesters to leave the docks before dawn so they can begin harvesting oysters at sunrise.
A final public hearing on the proposed oyster rule amendment will take place during its April meeting in the Tallahassee area.
The action is being considered to help oystermen adjust to pending new restrictions that will affect the time they are allowed to harvest and transport oysters on the water in Florida. Beginning this summer, oystermen may be forced to deliver their oysters to a certified dealer by 11:30 a.m. during May, June and July, and by noon during August, September and October.
The shorter harvesting times are being considered to meet new federal health safety requirements for the oyster industry by ensuring that harvested oysters are handled and processed during cooler morning hours in warm-weather months.
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