Lobstering

Biscayne Bay/Card Sound Lobster Sanctuary

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BISCAYNE BAY/CARD SOUND LOBSTER SANCTUARY

THE TAKING OF LOBSTER IS PROHIBITED AT ANY TIME OF THE YEAR IN THE BISCAYNE BAY/CARD SOUND LOBSTER SANCTUARY

Recreational trapping is prohibited. All natural, artificial, and tidal creeks between the islands and along the mainland are included in the Sanctuary and are closed to lobstering.

Lobsters may be taken east of the islands during the legal season except in the Legare Anchorage (where swimming, snorkeling, and diving are prohibited year round) and the Coral Reef Protection Areas. Please visit Coral Reef Protection Areas (CRPA) page for details about the CRPAs to include waypoints.

Legally taken lobsters may be transported through the sanctuary as long as no one from the boat is overboard (in the water) while inside the sanctuary.

For navigational coordinates, please visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation page specific to Biscayne National Park's regulations.

 

Lobsters seek sanctuary

NPS Photo / Thomas Strom

LOBSTER SEASONS AND LIMITS

MINI-SEASON
Lobster Mini-Season is a TWO day sport season that takes place over the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday in July. It begins at 12:00 a.m. Wednesday and ends 11:59 p.m. Thursday.

REGULAR SEASON
The regular lobster season is from August 6-March 31 every year.

DAILY LIMIT
The daily ilmit for both seasons is 6 lobsters per person per day. For a complete list of limits and other regulations, please visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation page specific to Biscayne National Park's regulations.

 

A park ranger demonstrates how to measure a lobster.

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SIZE

Lobsters that are kept must have a carapace length of more than 3 inches. Undersized lobster must be immediately released unharmed. ALL LOBSTERS MUST BE IN WHOLE CONDITION UNTIL RETURNED TO THE MAINLAND. “Wringing” or separating the tail from the body is prohibited in Park waters. Possession of “wrung” or separated tails on or below the park’s waters is prohibited.

HOW TO MEASURE

A measuring device must be utilized when harvesting spiny lobsters. Each person in the water must have a measuring device with them. MEASUREMENTS MUST BE MADE BEFORE THE LOBSTER IS REMOVED FROM THE WATER (EXCEPT FOR BULLYNETTING).

The CARAPACE is the front or head and body section of the lobster. When measuring, begin at the front edge of the bony part between the horns (does not include the softer portion between the eyes). Proceed along the middle of the back to the rear edge of the top part of the carapace. Measurements pertain only to the carapace length. TAIL MEASUREMENTS ARE NOT VALID.

METHODS

Lobsters may only be taken using hands, hand-held nets, bully nets, or other means which permit the lobsters to be released unharmed if not legal size. USE OF GRAINS, SPEARS, GRABS, HOOKS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES IS PROHIBITED. Traps may not be used without a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

The harvest of lobster in Biscayne National Park is in accordance with fishing regulations set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. For a complete list of requirements and exemptions for fishing licenses, please visit Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.

 

Female lobsters bearing eggs must not be removed from the water. Eggs must not be removed or molested.

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FEMALES

Any egg-bearing females, regardless of size, must be immediately returned to the water unharmed. Eggs are found on the underside of the tail and appear as orange, berry-like formations. Eggs must not be removed or molested.

 

State law requires that a red and white diver-down flag must be prominently displayed when diving or snorkeling.

Photo courtesy of Biscayne National Park Institute

DIVING/SNORKELING

State law requires the prominent display of a diver-down flag when diving or snorkeling.The dive flag must be 20” x 24” when displayed from a vessel.The dive flag must be prominently displayed from the highest point on vessel and visible from 360˚ degrees. Divers must stay within 300 feet of dive flag in open water, and within 100 feet in rivers, inlets and narrow channels.It is prohibited for anyone to dive or snorkel in, or within 100 feet of any marked channel within Biscayne National Park or in any harbor within the park.Vessels within 300 feet of a dive flag in open waters or within 100 feet in rivers, inlets and narrow channels must operate at idle speed.

 

Law Enforcement officers measure lobsters in Biscayne National Park

NPS Photo

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Phone: Biscayne National Park, 305-230-1144
Regulations: Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and Biscayne National Park Fishing
To report a violation of the law or for assistance: 305-247-7272
Emergency: United States Coast Guard, VHF, Channel 16