Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee Letter PF\SH AN,ti
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Florida Fish
January 16, 2019
and Wildlife
Conservation
Commission
Rafael E. Granado
Commissioners City Clerk
Robert A.Spottswood City of Miami Beach
Chairman 1700 Convention Center Drive
Key West
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Michael W.Sole
Vice Chairman
Tequesta Dear Mr. Granado,
Joshua Kellam
Beach Beach Gardens On behalf of the Commissioners of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission, I am plea ed to respond to the recent correspondence from the City of
Gary Lester Miami Beach advisingis of the December 12, 2018 resolution. The issues presented
Oxford
are governed by two divisions within the Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Gary Nicklaus Commission.
Jupiter
Bo Rivard Marine Fisheries Management is over sharks while Habitat and Species
Panama City
Conservation is responsible for alligators. Federal regulations are involved as well.
Sonya Rood
St.Augustine The rules governing harvest/sale of sharks are found in 68B-44, FAC. The
Office of the Commission is already considering final rules changes to the governing management
Executive Director of the shore-based shark fishery at the February Commission meeting.
Eric Sutton
Executive Director
Thomas H.Eason,Ph.D. While this will address a need, these changes will have little to no effect on the sale
Assistant Executive Director of shark curios at gift shops. We understand a popular souvenir item is called
Jennifer Fitzwater "sharks in a jar."
Chief of Staff
We understand most of these items are in reality spiny dogfish (not smooth dogfish).
Division of Law
Enforcement If this is true, possession/sale of that species is prohibited under Commission rule
Colonel Curtis Brown and there is very little chance they were harvested from waters off Florida.
Director
Whatever the circumstance, compliance with applicable laws and regulations is the
(850)488-6251
(850)487-0463 FAX fundamental concern of FWC law enforcement.
Managing fish and wildlife
resources for their long-term Alligators are a federally listed species and included on Appendix II of the CITES
of
well-being and the benefit treaty whereby all hides must have a federally issued tag affixed to enter the
of people.
commercial marketplace. The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service has an obligation
620 South Meridian Street under the CITES treaty to ensure that U.S. exports of alligator hides are not
Tallahassee,Florida
the species.
detrimental to the survival of
32399-1600
Voice:850-488-4676
Hearing/speech-impaired: Florida statutes and administrative rules further protected alligators from
800-955-8771(T) overexploitation. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regulates
800 955-8770(V)
the taking of alligators and sales of hides, meat, and other parts through highly
MyFWC.com
Mr. Rafael Granado
Page 2
January 16, 2019
regulated harvest programs utilizing limited permits and strict regulations. FWC
staff monitors alligator populations and harvests in Florida and provide oversight to
ensure compliance with all applicable laws.
We appreciate the fact that city government in Miami Beach feels this strongly
about protecting these species. Thank you for your concerns and your proactive
efforts with us.
Sincerely,
Robert J. Sparks
Office of the Director
Division of Law Enforcement