As well as the continental United States’ only coral barrier reef, the Florida Keys feature unique dive spots that provide unparalleled adventures for underwater enthusiasts. The majestic Christ of the Deep statue, an artificial reef created from a historic Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad bridge, and much more await divers in the island chain. KEY LARGO … Read more
Key Largo and Islamorada are beautiful destinations in the Florida Keys. Here are some things to do in both places in September 2023. Things To Do In Key Largo John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park: Explore the underwater world through snorkeling or glass-bottom boat tours. It’s a fantastic place for marine life and coral reef … Read more
The Florida Keys, known for their stunning coral reefs and diverse marine life, offer an incredible opportunity for adventure seekers and food enthusiasts alike. Among the many delicacies that grace the waters of the Keys, the Florida Keys Spiny Lobster (Panulirus argus) stands out as a delectable treat for seafood aficionados. We will take you … Read more
Are you looking for some fun and affordable things to do with your family in the Florida Keys? Look no further! Here are some great ideas for your next family vacation: Visit the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center. This museum is filled with interactive exhibits that teach visitors about the unique ecosystems of the Florida Keys. … Read more
The recreational and commercial spiny lobster season starts Aug. 6 and runs through March 31. Learn more about bag limits, size limits, where to harvest, and other regulations at MyFWC.com/Marine by clicking on “Recreational Regulations” and “Lobster,” which is under the “Crabs, Lobster and other Shellfish” tab. If you plan to lobster in the Keys, another great … Read more
Lobstering in the Florida Keys is a great way to get fresh seafood. The Florida Keys are home to some of the best Spiny Crawfish or lobster in the world. The lobster here are caught in the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay, and Gulf of Mexico. They are known for their sweet taste and tenderness. Recreational Lobstering … Read more
Share your input on the future management of goliath grouper The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) wants your input on a final rule proposal that, if approved at the March 2022 Commission meeting, would allow a limited, highly regulated harvest of goliath grouper in Florida state waters. This proposal includes a special opportunity … Read more
The main Stone Crab harvest method used in both the commercial and recreational fisheries is a baited trap. Some recreational crab fishers collect crabs by hand (using scuba or snorkel gear). Most fishermen use traps. In the commercial stone crab fishery, traps are put out in long lines of up to 100 traps where each … Read more
The Florida Sport Spiny Lobster mini-season last Wednesday and Thursday is over. Regular spiny lobster season starts Aug. 6 and runs through March 31. FWC plans to ramp up its efforts to combat poaching and trap robbing this season. The FWC plans to patrol the nearshore waters in a boat with a hydraulic trap puller and … Read more
Divers interested in viewing the underwater phenomenon of coral spawning can join Florida Keys dive operators during select Coral Reef Spawning charters — twilight trips to shallow reefs on or around the full moons in August and September to watch the reproductive action along the continental United States’ only living coral barrier reef. Scientifically observed … Read more
An extensive public awareness initiative has begun to help leisure Florida Keys travelers and residents have an enjoyable, safe and non-impacting experience during both the two-day Spiny Lobster Sport Season and the traditional lobster harvesting season. A dedicated website, KeysLobsterSeason.com, includes interactive videos with need-to-know dive and boating safety tips, up-to-date rules, regulations for lobster hunting … Read more
Traditionally, thousands of Keys visitors and residents participate in the spiny lobster sport season. Officials emphasize that it’s important to catch lobsters responsibly and protect their habitats. Florida lobster “mini” sport season, named for its short time duration, begins at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, July 28, 2021, and ends at midnight Thursday, July 29, 2021. The … Read more
The antennae sticking out of the hole gave the creature away. So with great caution and care, I placed my tickle stick behind the Florida Lobster and tried to gently coax it into my net. But with one flip of its tail, it shot out between my legs like a cartoon crustacean, leaving nothing but … Read more
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) just released the new 2021-2022 manatee and sea turtle decals. These high-quality waterproof stickers feature two different designs and are a fun way for people to directly support research, rescue and management efforts that conserve these species and spread awareness about the challenges they face. Each July, … Read more
This article isn’t specific about the Florida Keys but most of the information matches what you would do here. Once lobster season rolls around in Florida, the excitement [for Kayak Lobstering] couldn’t be any more on fire. Being the popular thing to do (with a nice payout) many head to the Florida Keys to go … Read more
To paraphrase a famous novel by Erich Maria Remarque, a German veteran of World War I, all quiet on the Key’s front. After an opening salvo on July 29 and 30 followed by an eight-month season from Aug. 6 through March 31, all that will change. An armada of all manner of water craft, large … Read more
Danger time for Florida Keys spiny lobster arrives Wednesday and Thursday when an estimated 30,000 divers here don masks and fins for lobster mini-season. Source: Get ready for the onslaught of lobster hunters
The Lionfish Challenge rewards lionfish harvesters withs for lionfish removals. Those with the most lionfish will be crowned the Recreational Lionfish King/Queen and the Commercial Champion.
FWC, DEP, and our coral reef restoration partners announce the recent successful outplanting of 1,152 coral colonies along the Florida Coral Reefs as part of the largest coordinated experimental outplanting effort in Florida to date. Reef restoration experiments in Florida have never been replicated on such a large scale before, with 24 outplanting sites spanning from … Read more
Divers and snorkelers can explore a portion of the continental United States’ only coral barrier reef while enjoying an Underwater Music Festival that promotes reef preservation Saturday, July 10, in the Lower Florida Keys. The 37th annual Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival, a melodic experience that spotlights environmentally responsible diving as well as reef protection, … Read more