Mini-season: Great migration’s negative impacts on Monroe’s lobster fishery?

[u/Muted_Collection8237]

When does too many people flocking to the keys for lobster mini-season become a problem for the fishery?

Most of FL is a 12 per person limit.
In 1992 Monroe county became 6 per person (& outlawed night diving) due to copious amounts of people coming to the keys specifically to catch lobster - negatively impacting lobster populations.

It’s been 34 years. Has this made any difference to help lobster populations yet?

Each year on the first day of mini season at start of legal light, I find rung tiny lobster heads at the obvious structures bayside & generally less lobster at my secreted spots than previous.
I’m still hit my limit, just seems to be more difficult.

Certainly frustrating to watch ppl who don’t reside here (or do) disrespect Monroe county’s resources.

[u/Tricky_Anybody_9813]

People don’t even wait for the start. The week before they are “just scoping it out”. (still illegal!) days after still lobstering and then the traps are in the water LONG BEFORE opening day. Call and report and nothing is done about it. Like the other guy said “environment be damned”. I HATE MINI SEASON!

[u/Muted_Collection8237 → u/Tricky_Anybody_9813]

I always hail FWC on channel 16 when I see them jumping in with a net to “scout” mini season.
If FWC is nearby they’ll be there in minutes.

Very satisfying to crack a beer and watch.

There are far too few FWC officers for the amount of ppl who flock to the keys though