Village of Islamorada recently issued the following announcement.
Diving and Snorkeling Restrictions
Sunday, July 25 through Thursday, July 29 and Tuesday, August 6th – 10th
Lobster season enthusiasts must catch lobsters responsibly while protecting the Florida Keys’ marine ecosystem, practicing vessel and dive safety and following all local regulations. Diving and snorkeling in navigable canals, marinas and within 300 feet of improved shoreline is prohibited from Sunday, July 25 through Thursday, July 29 and from Friday, August 6th through Tuesday August 10th.
The 2021 lobster sport season (locally known as “mini season”) begins at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, July 28 and end at 12:00 midnight on Thursday, July 29. The regular eight-month lobster season is always August 6th through March 31st. In Islamorada and Unincorporated Monroe County (including nearby Key Largo and Tavernier) diving and snorkeling restrictions are in place three days prior to mini season, during mini season and for the first five days of commercial lobster season. Diving and snorkeling in navigable canals and marinas and within 300 feet of improved shoreline is prohibited.
The restrictions were first implemented in 2002 to improve public safety and reduce destruction of property and negative environmental effects during lobster mini season.
In addition to local regulations, safety and environmentally friendly practices, everyone should also be aware of required permits, daily limits, and the areas/zones closed to the harvest of spiny lobster. Find all the information you need about lobster season in the Florida Keys on the special news page published at https://fla-keys.com/news/article/10950/ and download the printable brochure to take with you.
Original source can be found here.
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