Florida Spiny Lobster Trap/Pot Fishery - MMPA List of Fisheries
U.S. fisheries are classified under the Marine Mammal Protection Act according to the level of interactions that result in incidental mortality or serious injury of marine mammals.
Current Classification on the List of Fisheries
Category |
III |
Estimated Number of Participants |
1,268 |
Target Species |
Spiny lobster |
Applicable Take Reduction Plans |
None |
Observer Coverage |
Not observed |
Marine Mammal Species/Stocks Killed or Injured |
Bottlenose dolphin, Biscayne Bay estuarine Bottlenose dolphin, Central FL coastal Bottlenose dolphin, Eastern GMX coastal Bottlenose dolphin, FL Bay Bottlenose dolphin, FL Keys |
Basis for Current Classification
Category III fishery under the MMPA due to a remote likelihood of mortalities or serious injuries to marine mammals.
Distribution
Commercial landings have been reported in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas since 1962. But in 35 of the 45 years from 1962 - 2006, all landings were in FL. Effort takes place on both the Atlantic and Gulf side of the Florida Keys, with diving most commonly occurring on Gulf side. Fishing occurs in waters less than 100 ft. The commercial and regular recreational spiny lobster seasons start on August 6 and end on March 31.
Gear Description
Lobster trap/pot is a cube typically made of wood with concrete in the bottom. A buoy is attached to the trap via a float line and marked with a “C” for spiny lobster traps. Traps may be set several miles apart and set to soak on average from 8 to 28 days.
Management
Managed jointly by the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils. The fishery is currently managed via bag limits, minimum size limits, regulated fishing seasons for the commercial and recreational sectors, gear restrictions, trap construction requirements, and a trap limitation and permitting program.
Historical Information
Original Category (Year added to the LOF) |
III (2001) |
Original Number of Participants |
2,145 |
Basis for Original Classification |
Created by splitting the "Southeastern U.S. Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean spiny lobster trap/pot" into this fishery and the "Caribbean spiny lobster trap pot" |
Past Names |
Southeastern U.S. Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean spiny lobster trap/pot. 2001 |
Species/stocks historically documented as killed or injured (but not currently on the list) |
N/A |
Timeline of Changes
2024 |
|
2017 |
|
2012 |
|
2011 |
|
2009 |
|
2001 |
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