Spiny Lobster Closed Areas

 

Effective August 27, 2012, spiny lobster trap fishing will be prohibited in 60 areas in federal waters off the Florida Keys.  The intent of the closed areas is to protect threatened coral species, particularly staghorn and elkhorn corals.  In total, 5.9 square miles will be closed to trapping.

Please click on the links below to learn where the closed areas are located

 

 

Maps

Coordinates

 

 

Informational Flyer

 

 

Who decided which areas to close?

These groups worked together to choose areas that would protect the most coral without overly restricting fishing:

• NOAA Fisheries Service
• Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council
• South Atlantic Fishery Management Council
• Fishing Associations
• Federal and State Scientists

 

 

For more information, visit the Spiny Lobster webpage