A man was apprehended in the Florida Keys after being found with 53 spiny lobsters stored in coolers, prior to the official start of the lobster season. This action represents a serious breach of the state's fishing regulations. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (MyFWC) confirmed the incident on Facebook, detailing how officers intercepted the individual while he was transporting a bucket containing a lobster in the Indian Key Fill area.
Upon inspecting his vehicle, and with the group's consent, authorities discovered dozens of lobsters, including two captured using a spear gun, which is strictly prohibited. In addition to the lobsters, officers also found a whole stone crab and an extra claw, even though the stone crab season is currently closed, along with a small mangrove snapper illegally caught with a spear gun.
The incident occurred following the closure of the lobster sport season, which ended on July 31, and during the ongoing regular season. Nevertheless, the 53 lobsters were captured illegally for exceeding catch limits, using a spear gun—banned in the Upper Keys—and including off-limits species such as stone crabs, whose season remains closed until October 15.
In July, Monroe County authorities conducted several arrests for significant violations of lobster-catching regulations, just ahead of the eagerly anticipated mini-season scheduled for July 30 and 31.
FAQs on Florida Keys Lobster Regulations
What are the consequences of catching lobsters before the season starts?
Catching lobsters before the official season begins can result in serious legal consequences, including fines and potential arrest, as it violates state fishing regulations.
Why is using a spear gun prohibited in the Florida Keys?
Using a spear gun is prohibited in the Florida Keys as it poses a risk to the marine ecosystem and can lead to the illegal capture of protected species.
When does the stone crab season open in Florida?
The stone crab season in Florida is closed until October 15, after which it opens for legal harvesting under regulated conditions.