Lobster hunters urged to follow Sanctuary regulations

As lobster hunters descend on the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary for mini season, July 26-27, and the opening of regular season, Aug. 6, they are reminded to abide by sanctuary rules as well as state laws.

It is unlawful to move, remove, take, injure, touch, break, cut or possess coral or live rock. It is also illegal to take spiny lobsters in Ecological Reserves and Sanctuary Preservation Areas.

Ecological Reserves are large, contiguous, diverse habitats that protect natural spawning, nursery and permanent-residence areas needed for sustainable populations of fish and other marine life. Fishing by any means is prohibited.

The 18 Sanctuary Preservation Areas protect shallow reefs along the reef tract. SPAs encompass discrete, biologically important areas that help sustain critical marine species and habitat.

Zoning, regulations and maps are available at floridakeys.noaa.gov.

Report violations of sanctuary regulations and other fish, wildlife, boating and environmental laws.

  • Call 1-888-404-FWCC (1-888-404-3922) option 7 or FWC Dispatch at (305) 470-6863 option 7
  • Dial *FWC or #FWC from a cell phone
  • Send a message to [email protected]

No Take Zones

Ecological Reserves:

Western Sambo

Tortugas South

Tortugas North

Sanctuary Preservation Areas:

Alligator Reef Sanctuary Preservation Area

Carysfort Sanctuary Preservation Area

Cheeca Rocks Sanctuary Preservation Area

Coffins Patch Sanctuary Preservation Area

Conch Reef Sanctuary Preservation Area

Davis Reef Sanctuary Preservation Area

Eastern Dry Rocks Sanctuary Preservation Area

The Elbow Sanctuary Preservation Area

French Reef Sanctuary Preservation Area

Grecian Rocks Sanctuary Preservation Area

Hen and Chickens Sanctuary Preservation Area

Key Largo Dry Rocks Sanctuary Preservation Area

Looe Key Sanctuary Preservation Area

Molasses Reef Sanctuary Preservation Area

Newfound Harbor Sanctuary Preservation Area

Sand Key Sanctuary Preservation Area

Rock Key Sanctuary Preservation Area

Sombrero Key Sanctuary Preservation Area

Ed Lindelof, Acting Superintendent

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

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