Lobster Season

 (Florida Keys)

It’s August and for many Floridians (including me) it’s time, time to gather fishing gear, dive equipment friends and family and head to the keys. It’s Lobster Season.

Every year some 50 to 75 thousand people flock to their Lobster hunting grounds during the first month of the season that runs from August 6^th through Labor Day. For about two thirds or 60% of those people, the Florida Key’s in Monroe County is their destination. Monroe County accounts for about 60% of the total Lobster harvested each year both recreationally and commercially.

Lobster harvest regulations as with fishing and hunting regulations vary depending on where they are being harvested. The FAC (Florida Administrative Code) regarding Monroe County has been changed from 6 per person or 24 per boat which ever is greater to just 6 per person. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Division of Marine Fisheries statistics, the regular season reduced bag limit should reduce the number for Lobster harvested by about 3.5%. If you average what is estimated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to be the total number of Lobster harvested during the first month of the 1999 season (1,786,000) and 2001 season (784,000) then calculate 3.5% of their total, the new regulations should reduce the harvest by about 44,975 Lobsters per year on the first day of the season alone.

All of the research and studies that I have read have shown the number of people participating in recreational Lobstering and the numbers of Lobsters being harvested over the past ten years have varied up and down and have shown no discernible trend.

When one considers all the variables that contribute to the number of Lobsters harvested each year, such as; the quantity of fresh water released from the everglades, the varying water temperatures from year to year possibly affecting Lobster migration, the success or failure of reproduction, the success or failure of new offspring to survive to maturity not to mention the methods of study used to arrive at all these statistics, percentages and formulas, I for one can’t help being skeptical as to the accuracy of their findings. After all an estimate is just that, an estimate.

The FFWCC has also enacted new legislation regarding the harvest of Lobsters from man made, artificial structures. The new law as I read it is a bit unclear, it seems to pertain only to commercial harvest. Regardless of the new law, if what is believed to be the widespread practice of illegally dumping to create artificial structures is so difficult to enforce (and it apparently is because they exist), then how can anyone think that determining whether or not a Lobster was harvested from one of these structures be enforceable either? If someone is willing to break the law and risk getting caught illegally dumping things to create these structures, does anyone really believe they will care if it is illegal to harvest from them? Wouldn’t it be more practical to step up enforcement and stiffen the penalties for the illegal dumping?

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not necessarily opposed to reduced bag limits or closed seasons to help conserve marine resources nor do I think uncontrolled dumping should be legal, but to seek conservation by way of trivial unenforceable regulations is an exercise in futility.

 In my home area of Lee County, closed seasons and reduced bag limits on Red Drum have had wonderful results in increasing the Redfish population. The point is that the future of our fisheries depends on everyone doing their part. Perhaps if everyone made a concerted effort to ensure the future of our fisheries, we wouldn’t need a bunch of different agencies conducting inaccurate surveys and creating unenforceable regulations at the tax payers’ expense, all in the name of conservation.

So just because your in the Key’s and its Lobster season, doesn’t mean you need to limit out every day. Just take enough for your family. After all if it sits in your freezer for a year it’s not fresh anyway. Try setting aside some time for other activities like, fishing, exploring the many reef and sanctuary areas or visiting the array of historical sites, shops and museums that the Key’s have to offer. 

If we all do our part we can help to ensure the productive healthy future of our fisheries. More personal responsibility can lead to less regulation. So this Lobster season, keep only what you need, make sure your informed of all current regulations, be safe and most of all have fun. To check out the new regulations log on to www.flaconservation.org or stop by any of the countless tackle and dive shops in the Key’s. They should be able to provide you with literature pertaining to the new regulations.

Till next time, this is Captain Chris Wittman of Stillwater Charters, bidding you tight lines & screaming drags.