Federal Fisheries Council Looks At Harvest, Season Changes For Spiny Lobster

Federal fisheries managers will consider issues on Florida Keys fish including spiny lobster, hogfish and dolphin during a week-long meeting in Cocoa Beach.

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will look at the annual catch limit for spiny lobster, the most valuable fishery for the Keys commercial fleet. Lobster harvests exceeded management measures in recent seasons, which could lead to shortening the season or other rule changes.

The annual catch target of 6.59 million pounds was exceeded in the past three seasons and the annual catch limit of 7.32 million pounds was topped in two of the three years.

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