Lobster Hunters Encouraged to Enjoy Lobster Season Responsibly
FLORIDA KEYS -- Many Florida Keys visitors and residents typically participate in the annual spiny lobster harvest season that begins at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6. Regular season continues through March 31, 2020.
Officials from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission emphasize the importance of responsible catching and proper measuring of lobsters and the need to protect lobster habitats. Vessel and dive operations should be conducted in a safe manner.
Lobster-catching regulations for regular lobster season can be found at the FWC website. Rules include a limit of six lobsters — each with a carapace measuring larger than three inches — per person, per day. It is a felony to molest, damage or take lobster from commercial lobster traps in State or Federal waters. Recreational trapping is prohibited.
Possession and use of a measuring device is required at all times, according to FWC officials. A lobster's carapace must be measured in the water and the lobster must be kept intact until after returning to shore.
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary regulations as well as state laws are in effect. It is illegal to take spiny lobsters in Ecological Reserves and Sanctuary Preservation Areas where fishing by any means is prohibited. Sanctuary boundaries encompass 2,900 square nautical miles surrounding the Florida Keys.
Scuba diving experts said divers should be in good health and, before submerging, make sure their dive and boating gear have been verified to be in good working order.
Federal, state and local law enforcement officials are increasing officer presence in Keys waters to ensure safety and protect marine resources during the regular season's opening.
A recreational saltwater fishing license and a lobster permit are required to harvest spiny lobster. A comprehensive brochure, produced by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, details recreational lobster harvest rules and regulations in the Florida Keys and other parts of Monroe County.
Possession and use of a measuring device is required at all times, and lobsters must be measured in the water. Image: FWC
Rules in the Florida Keys include a limit of six lobsters — each with a carapace measuring larger than three inches — per person, per day. Image: FWC
Facts to know before you go lobstering in the Florida Keys. Click on the image for an enlarged view.