FWC urging safety with lobster mini season starting Wednesday
MIAMI - Fresh caught lobster could be what's for dinner the next two days.
But lobster mini season has become so popular it's also known for accidents, and even deaths each year.
"It's always a good system to take somebody else with you. Always notify a friend or family member of where you're going to be," FWC Lt. Rafael Almagro said.
As the sun started to go down at Crandon Park Marina Tuesday, people started loading up to get in place.
"You know, we've got a couple of our favorite, secret spots," said Debbie Klammer.
After some storms earlier in the day, the weather finally cleared.
"We came last year for the first time," said Yaiselyn Cruz, who was out with her family. "We caught a few, and we're expecting to do the same this year."
Earlier that afternoon, Capt. Gene Hammond returned for his 13th year.
"We come down here and we bring our families and just enjoy the Miami area," he told us.
They were headed to do some fishing at Dinner Key Marina to pass the time until 12:01 a.m.
"We run a nonprofit called Reeling Freedom," he shared. "It takes veterans and first responders fishing."
But that nighttime lobstering can be dangerous.
"You got to be mindful if you do it at night, have your navigational lights on on your vessel your anchor lights," Ofc. Milton Osario explained at Bill Baggs State Park.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is prepping to ensure this year's harvest season is a safe one, and that everyone obeys the laws.
"There will be enough for everybody including your family and friends and we want to make sure in the future there's enough for everybody else to take as well," Lt. Almagro said.
A few reminders from FWC:
- Measure the lobster in the water
- The upper shell (carapace) must be 3 inches or more
- Do not take a female with eggs
- Stay within 300 feet of dive flag
The limit in Monroe County and Biscayne National Park is 6 on July 27 and 12 on July 28.
But there are some places people cannot harvest. Those are: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Everglades National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park and the Biscayne Bay-Card Sound Lobster Sanctuary.
"As a reference use the Cape Florida Lighthouse, draw a line to Matheson Hammock Park," Osario added.
There's also a Friends of Biscayne Bay map in the ARC-GIS app that lets fisherman see areas that are off limits.
Harvesters may be in for a bit of a challenge this year as rain and murky waters will make it harder to see the lobsters.
"It's very important people know they're not allowed to actually come into the park, going over the seawall," Osario said as a reminder.
Even with rain, it's expected to be busy, and that increases the risk for an accident. Last year, on the first day, two people died, while a third was injured.
Multiple agencies will be joining forces to patrol the waters once again, but they encourage everyone to keep an eye out for divers and not to rush.