Florida Law Enforcement Out In Force For Mini-Lobster Season
Lobster sniffing dogs? That is awesome. Before you go, know the regulations and make sure to follow them when you’re out on the water.
Lobster hunters diving for dinner will have plenty of company on South Florida waters during the two-day miniseason Wednesday and Thursday – hundreds of federal, state and local law enforcement officers. Officers of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission along with the U.S. Coast Guard and a host of county and municipal agencies and park rangers will be armed with an arsenal of an assets,’ including lobster-sniffing dogs, fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters and scores of boats, both marked an unmarked.
Last Sunday, before the season opened, FWC officers arrested a husband and wife near Boca Chita Key in Biscayne National Park for jumping the starting gun. FWC Capt. Christian Rodriguez said 21 people were arrested in the Keys this past weekend on similar charges. The lawmen said most of the offenses were third-degree misdemeanors, which usually result in fines.
U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Joe Abeleyta urged boaters to maintain a safe distance from dive flags, to maintain their vessels in good working order, and to file a float plan with someone on shore detailing where they are going and when they intend to return. Lobster divers also were reminded to be on the lookout for lionfish, a colorful, candy-striped exotic from the Pacific with poisonous spines that’s being spotted with increasing frequency in South Florida waters. Biscayne National Park fisheries biologist Vanessa McDonough asked divers to report any sightings, and, if possible, to collect the invaders with dip nets.
To report a lionfish, divers can call 305-230-1144. McDonough said anyone accidentally stung by a spine should immediately apply hot water, “as hot as you can stand it’, or have a heat pack handy in the boat’s first-aid kit. Lionfish stings are not fatal, but can be very painful, she added. In case of a serious sting, divers may call the Aquatic Toxins Hotline‘ at 1-888-232-8635.
Filed Under: Crimes • Environmental • News
