Fees for the retrieval of spiny lobster, stone crab, blue crab, and black sea bass traps during closed season.

(1) Pursuant to s. 379.2424, the commission shall assess trap owners, and collect, a retrieval fee of $10 per trap retrieved. However, for each person holding a spiny lobster endorsement, a stone crab endorsement, or a blue crab endorsement issued under rule of the commission, the retrieval fee shall be waived for the first five traps retrieved. Traps recovered under this program shall become the property of the commission or its contract agent, as determined by the commission, and shall be either destroyed or resold to the original owner. Revenue from retrieval fees shall be deposited in the Marine Resources Conservation Trust Fund and used solely for operation of the trap retrieval program.

(2) Payment of all assessed retrieval fees shall be required prior to renewal of the trap owner’s saltwater products license. Retrieval fees assessed under this program shall stand in lieu of other penalties imposed for such trap violations.

(3) In the event of a major natural disaster, such as a hurricane or major storm, that causes massive trap losses within an area declared by the Governor to be a disaster emergency area, the commission shall waive trap retrieval fees.