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by Victoria De Cardenas
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Florida’s lobster mini season is underway, sending thousands of divers and boaters onto South Florida waters in search of Florida spiny lobster, putting Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers on high alert for both illegal catches and safety violations.
On the first full day of the two-day recreational season, FWC officers patrolled local waters near South Florida reefs, checking lobster catches and making sure boaters were following regulations designed to protect the lobster population and keep people safe.
“We have a million registered vessels here in Florida and a lot of these are out lobstering in mini season,” Officer Tyson Matthews said.
Mini season gives recreational harvesters a chance to catch spiny lobster before the commercial season begins, but officers said the rules are strict. Matthews said, “You’re allowed 12 per licensed harvester per day.”
Caught lobsters must have a carapace length larger than 3 inches measured in the water, according to FWC. Possession and use of a measuring device required at all times.
Divers may not use spears, hooks, or any other device capable of puncturing or crushing a spiny lobster, as state regulations require the animals to be harvested without damaging their shell or flesh.
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Officers also checked lobster size requirements at the dock before boats headed out. Using a 3-inch gauge to measure the carapace, Matthews determined one group’s lobster was undersized.
“You can drop it there and then see how that gauge slides over the carapace? That’s what you’re measuring. So, this is too short,” Matthews said.
Because the lobster was still alive, it was returned to the water. Matthews said violations can lead to penalties, depending on the circumstances.
“They could get a fine or a warning. It’s a second-degree misdemeanor to harvest a short lobster or out of season or egg-bearing,” he said. The group received a warning.
On the water, officers also encountered boaters who complied. One vessel had its full limit of 24 lobsters, and all were legal.
Not every stop involved lobster. FWC officers also checked for safety issues, including proper use of dive flags when divers are in the water.
Florida law requires divers-down flags to be clearly visible. Flags displayed from the water must measure at least 12 by 12 inches, while those flown from a vessel must be at least 20 by 24 inches and mounted at the vessel's highest point. The flags must remain fully extended and visible at all times, even in calm conditions, and any buoy displaying the divers-down symbol must show it on each flat side.
FWC urged boaters to stay aware of their surroundings, especially at night, and said enforcement efforts are focused on protecting the resource and keeping the tradition safe.
“A lot of the people that are going out are just enjoying Florida’s resources and having a good time. Great family activity, fun, safe. It’s an awesome event,” Matthews said.
FWC also warned against trying to hide extra lobster on board. Matthews said the agency has K-9 units trained to sniff out illegally hidden catch on vessels.
Mini season wraps up Thursday night. Regular spiny lobster season opens Aug. 6.
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