Lobster is a popular seafood option for many Floridians and visitors alike. Every year, thousands of people look forward to the lobster season to catch and enjoy this delicious delicacy. But before you can enjoy your catch, you need to know the rules and regulations that govern the harvesting of lobsters in the Florida Keys.
When is the Lobster Season?
The lobster season in the Florida Keys is open from August 6th to March 31st. During this time, lobster harvesting is allowed in certain areas. The rest of the year, it is not allowed. It is important to note that there are also limits as to how many lobsters can be harvested each day. The limit is six per person, per day.
Where Can You Harvest Lobster?
The Florida Keys are home to more than 5,000 islands, so it can be hard to know what areas are open for lobster harvesting and which are not. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has designated the Florida Keys as one of the most popular lobster harvesting destinations in Florida. However, there are still areas that are closed off to harvesting. These areas include the Dry Tortugas Islands, the Marquesas Keys, and the Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary.
How Can You Harvest Lobster?
There are several ways to harvest lobster in the Florida Keys. The most popular way is by using a lobster trap. This is a large, rectangular cage that is baited and placed in shallow waters. The lobster will enter the trap, but will not be able to escape. The other way to harvest lobster is by hand-catching. This method requires you to dive deep into the water and search for lobsters. It is a more difficult and time consuming method, but can provide a greater yield.
What Regulations Are There?
When harvesting lobster in the Florida Keys, it is important to follow all regulations set in place by the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. These regulations include having a valid fishing license, adhering to size and bag limits, and not taking female lobsters with eggs. It is also important to know what types of equipment you can and cannot use when harvesting lobster. Hooks, traps, spears, and other gear are all allowed, but there are certain restrictions that must be followed.
What Happens If I Break the Rules?
If you are caught breaking the law, you could face serious legal consequences. Depending on the severity of the offense, you could be fined, have your license revoked, or even face jail time. This can result in a long-term impact on your ability to enjoy the Florida Keys and lobster fishing in the future.
Things to Keep in Mind
When harvesting lobster in the Florida Keys, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you need to be aware of the regulations and make sure you are following them. Second, you should also consider the environment and do your best to minimize your impact. Finally, you need to make sure you are following the rules of personal safety while in the waters of the Florida Keys.
Conclusion
Harvesting lobster in the Florida Keys can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. However, it is important to follow all regulations and ensure that you are following all safety precautions. By doing so, you can help ensure that the Florida Keys remain a vibrant and healthy place for everyone to enjoy.