LOBSTER INFORMATION

FLORIDA KEYS SAVE DIVE INITIATIVE (FKSDI)
a multi-agency organization focused on educating divers about safety
and sponsors the Lobster Diving Rodeo and Expo.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Recreational harvesters are required to possess a valid Florida Saltwater Fishing License with a current crawfish stamp. Consult your license agent for exemptions to licensing requirements. Licenses are available through local tax collectors, many tackle shops and marine supply stores.

STATE AND FEDERAL WATERS: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) navigational charts should be used to distinguish state and federal waters. Look for the gray, curved line marked "Territorial Sea" on the Atlantic side, and the "Natural Resources Boundary" on the Gulf side. (Teall's Map: does not show the state/federal boundary line. Enforcement officers will be using NOAA charts to determine the boundaries).

GEAR: Such as spears, hooks and wire snares that injure lobster are not allowed.

"BULLY-NETTING": Using a circular frame attached at a right angle to the end of a pole and supporting a conical bag of webbing is permitted. Possession of bully nets is prohibited in Everglades National Park.

MEASURING GAUGE: Each harvester must have a gauge made for measuring lobster while harvesting in the water.

SIZE LIMIT: Lobster carapace must be greater than three (3) inches. All lobster must be measured in the water and released unharmed if undersized.

POSSESSION: Lobster must be of legal size before they are in possession. For example, lobster in your catch bag in the water are considered in possession. All lobster must remain in whole condition while at sea. NOTE: You may not have lobster in your possession in Everglades National Park.

SPANISH AND SLIPPER LOBSTER: Are closed to harvest in Key Largo and Looe Key National Marine Sanctuaries, Everglades National Park, Pennekamp State Park and Dry Tortugas National Park.

EGG-BEARING (BERRIED) LOBSTER: Of any species must be released unharmed. Eggs are an orange, yellow, brown, or red mass found covering the underside of the lobster's tail.

REMEMBER: COMMERCIAL LOBSTER TRAPS: It is a felony to molest, damage, or take lobster from traps in state or federal waters.

Your Diver's Down Flag
In state and federal waters, all vessels with divers or snorkelers in the water are required to post a diver down flag. Please post your dive flag, stay near it and respect others' dive areas. Use idle speed within 100 yards of a dive flag or diver.
Lower your dive flag when divers are out of the water.

Be kind to coral
Coral is protected from damage and harvest in all Keys waters. Be careful not to contact coral while conducting your lobster harvest. Do not flip or overturn coral or rocks. This activity not only kills coral and other marine life, but also destroys future homes and hiding places for lobster.

Anchor in sand or use a mooring buoy
To avoid damaging the reef be sure your anchor is carefully lowered into a white sandy area. Check to be sure your anchor line and/or chain is not contacting any hard or soft corals.

Navigation in Keys waters is tricky
Coral heads and seagrass beds can be a few inches below the waters surface. Avoid damage to these important habitats and your boat.

• Pay close attention to the tide. Most boat groundings occur during low tide.
• Use polarized glasses. Water color will indicate changes in depth.
• Carry and consult your NOAA navigational chart.
• Stay within marked channels.
• If you run aground, do not power off! Call for assistance, or wait for the tide.

NEED MORE INFORMATION?

This is not an official publication of lobster season rules and regulations.
For more information on lobstering, contact:

STATE REGULATIONS:
Florida Marine Patrol, 800-DIAL-FMP (342-5367)
Marathon Office, 305-289-2320, 800 ASK-FISH

FEDERAL REGULATIONS:
National Marine Fisheries Service, 813-570-5305 or 305-743-2437
John Pennekamp State Park, 305-451-1202
Everglades National Park, 305-242-7700
Key Largo Office, 305-852-5119