Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 68B-8.006 - Scientific Research Special Activity License

(1) The purpose of a Scientific Research SAL is to accommodate the need for the scientific community to conduct research and monitoring activities that enhance the greater body of knowledge in support of fisheries management, resource conservation and enhancement, and public health.
(2) Eligibility - A Scientific Research SAL may be issued only to the following:
(a) A principal investigator of a proposed or ongoing scientific research project who is on the faculty or is a student of a college, community college, university, or secondary school.
(b) A principal investigator of a proposed or ongoing scientific research project who is affiliated with a marine research institute, laboratory, corporation, or organization.
(c) A member of the scientific or technical staff of a city, county, state or federal agency.
(d) A member of the scientific or technical staff of a certified aquaculture facility.
(3) Fees and Application -
(a) The processing fee for a Scientific Research SAL is $25.00. A processing fee is non-refundable.
(b) An applicant for a Scientific Research SAL must complete and submit a Scientific Research SAL application form (Form DMF-SRSAL (December 2024)), which is incorporated herein by reference and is available at http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-17388.
(4) Evaluation Criteria - In addition to the evaluation criteria set forth in subsection 68B-8.003(9), F.A.C., an application for a Scientific Research SAL will be evaluated based on the following criteria as applicable to the request:
(a) Project specifications and methodologies. Proposed methodologies must include sufficient detail and clarity to provide for replication or offer the opportunity to build systematically on findings.
(b) Monitoring strategies. The applicant must ensure that monitoring data can and will be analyzed to detect physical or biological changes over time in marine organisms, their populations, or communities.
(5) License Periods -
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), the license period for a Scientific Research SAL will be based on the duration of the proposed activity, provided that the duration is no longer than is necessary to achieve its stated purpose, and may not exceed 5 years (60 months).
(b) The license period for a Scientific Research SAL issued for activities involving a prohibited species may not exceed 1 year (12 months).
(6) Reporting Requirements - An SAL holder must submit the following documentation within 30 days after expiration of an SAL or upon application for renewal, whichever occurs first:
(a) An activity report detailing all SAL-related harvest or sampling activities that resulted in the permanent retention of marine organisms. The activity report is a report other than any publications or technical, monitoring, or final reports. The activity report must include the following information on marine organisms harvested (both targeted and incidental) pursuant to the SAL: common and scientific names, numbers, sizes, locations of harvest by county, and disposition. The activity report for a Scientific Research SAL involving prohibited species must also include the specific harvesting gear used. If mortality of a prohibited species occurred during harvest or subsequent possession, the report must indicate the cause of death if known. If SAL-related activities did not result in the permanent retention or mortality of any marine organism, the SAL holder must submit a statement to that effect.
(b) Any publications, technical, monitoring, or final reports that were generated as a result of work conducted pursuant to the SAL must include a notation that activities were authorized pursuant to a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Special Activity License and identify the relevant Special Activity License(s) authorizing such activities. If these reports are not available within 30 days after expiration of an SAL or upon application for renewal, such report(s) must be submitted upon completion or publication.
(c) An SAL holder who is conducting biomedical research activities involving the collection of horseshoe crabs to remove blood and return the animal to the area of collection alive, must file his or her annual report pursuant to sub-subparagraph 68B-46.002(3)(b) 3.e., F.A.C.

Notes

Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 68B-8.006

Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const.

New 7-1-04, Amended 11-19-09, Amended by Florida Register Volume 51, Number 088, May 6, 2025 effective 5/19/2025.

New 7-1-04, Amended 11-19-09.

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