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Elliott Key Harbor and Campground Closed
Winds, surge and tides associated with Hurricane Sandy caused considerable damage to docks & boardwalk at Elliott Key. The harbor and campground are closed until further notice. University Dock remains open for day use only. More »
Fishing and Lobstering
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With mangrove shorelines, seagrass meadows, sand flats, and deeper reefs and wrecks, Biscayne National Park offers diverse fishing experiences. Although the park is part of a federal agency, fishing and other harvesting activities are largely governed by state law. This somewhat unusual situation was written directly into the park's enabling legislation, the law that created the park and its predecessor, Biscayne National Monument. Park staff work with the State of Florida to promote regulations that ensure the long-term sustainability of fisheries resources. Park resource managers and law enforcement rangers frequently interview visitors fishing in the park to assess their catch and learn more about their fishing experience. These interactions not only ensure that fishig is being conducted in compiance with the state's regulations, but also provide biologists with important data that can be used to assess the condition of the park's fisheries resources. For example, ten years of interview data from Lobster Mini-Season were used to produce this report. 
Participants in Biscayne's Fisheries Awareness Class come away with a better understanding of their favorite pastime. NPS Photo by Steve Saul Fisheries Awareness Class Biscayne National Park now offers a FREE educational fishing clinic! Come learn more about angling on Biscayne's transparent, aquamarine waters, refresh your fish identification skills, and learn more about the fishing regulations and why they are important. Hear from long-time local fishing guides how to choose and maintain your tackle and gear, and pick up a few new fishing techniques. To learn more, visit our Fisheries Awareness Program page. Recreational Saltwater Fishing License A valid Florida State Recreational Saltwater Fishing License is required to fish anywhere in Biscayne National Park, including the jetty at Convoy Point. Visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's licensing information page to learn about the different license types and costs and ways to obtain a license. Note that there are some exemptions for this requirement, which are also listed on that website. Florida State Saltwater Fishing Regulations Fisheries Awareness Class Information
The collection of tropical/ornamental aquarium species, including both plants and animals, is prohibited in Biscayne National Park. The harvest of the giant land crab (Cardisoma guanhumi) is prohibited in Biscayne National Park. Prohibited species include: Goliath Grouper, Nassau Grouper, Queen Conch, Smalltooth Sawfish, Sea Turtles, Stony Corals, Fire Corals, Sea Fans, Longspine Sea Urchins, and numerous species of sharks. For the full list, see the Florida State Saltwater Fishing Regulations |
Fisheries Management Plan
Fisheries Awareness Class
Did You Know?
In 2001, scientists taking a plant inventory in Biscayne National Park discovered a population of semaphore pricklypear cactus, one of the world's rarest plants. Previously known as only 9 plants in the lower Florida Keys, the new population numbered 570 plants...over 60 times the previous count.