spiny lobster

Scientific Name

Panulirus argus

Common Name

Rock lobster

Stock Status

Overfishing – No

Overfished – Unknown

Recreational Regulations

Federal Regulations

  • Open: January 01 – July 27

    Closed: July 28 – August 05

    Open: August 06 – March 31

    Closed: April 01 – December 31

  • 6 Bag Limit
  • Minimum Size: 3 in Carapace Length

  • Notes:

    Divers must measure carapace while in water. Undersized lobster must be released unharmed immediately without removal from water.

    Removal of tail at sea is prohibited without permit. No taking of berried (eggbearing) spiny lobster or slipper lobster.

    No spears, hooks, or piercing devices. Explosives prohibited. For more information, see GulfCouncil.org

    For info about lobster regulations off Florida, see Florida Spiny Lobster Regs.

    To see commercial regulations, download Fish Rules Commercial App for iOS devices or Android devices.

Lobster Measurements 1
Lobster Measurements 1

Commercial Regulations

Spiny Lobster Tailing Permit – Gulf of Mexico EEZ and South Atlantic EEZ

  • Open year-round

  • Notes:

    Timing & Permiting Requirements: Tailing is authorized only when the possession is incidental to fishing exclusively in the EEZ on a trip of 48 hours or more and a valid Federal tail-separation permit, AND either a valid Federal vessel permit for spiny lobster or a valid Florida Saltwater Products License with a valid Florida Restricted Species Endorsement and a valid Crawfish Endorsement.

    Tail Length Requirements: If tailing, tail must be at least 5.5″. Divers must measure carapace while in water.

    Condition Requirements: Fishermen with tailing permits must land spiny lobster all whole or all tailed.

     

    Trip Limits & Size Limits: Trip Limits, Minimum Size Limits, and Gear Restrictions apply based on the other spiny lobster permits associated with the vessel. See the Spiny Lobster Federal Permit or the Spiny Lobster Florida EEZ Permits for additional information.

    Berried Lobster: A berried (egg-bearing) spiny lobster in or from the EEZ must be returned immediately to the water unharmed.

Areas
Alabama Alps Reef

Alabama Alps Reef HAPC is bounded by rhumb lines connecting the following points in order: 29°16.160′ 88°20.525′ 29°15.427′ 88°18.990′ 29°13.380′ 88°19.051′ 29°14.140′ 88°20.533′ 29°16.160′ 88°20.525′Deployment of a bottom longline, bottom trawl, buoy gear, dredge, pot, or trap, and bottom anchoring by fishing vessels are prohibited year-round in the area of the HAPC. 

West Flower Garden Banks

West Flower Garden Bank is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following points: 27°55′22.8″ 93°53′09.6″; 27°55′22.8″ 93°46′46.0″; 27°49′03.0″ 93°46′46.0″; 27°49′03.0″ 93°53′09.6″; 27°55′22.8″ 93°53′09.6″.Deployment of bottom longline, bottom trawl, buoy gear, dredge, pot, or trap and bottom anchoring by fishing vessels is prohibited year-round.

West Florida Wall

West Florida Wall HAPC is bounded by rhumb lines connecting the following points in order: 26°28.835′ 84°47.955′; 26°28.816′ 84°46.754′; 26°10.471′ 84°42.076′; 26°10.528′ 84°44.577′; 26°25.028′ 84°47.986′; 26°25.100′ 84°47.980′; 26°28.835′ 84°47.955′.Deployment of bottom-tending gear (bottom longline, bottom trawl, buoy gear, dredge, pot or trap) and bottom anchoring by fishing vessels is prohibited year-round. 

Viosca Knoll 862/906

Viosca Knoll 862/906 HAPC is bounded by rhumb lines connecting the following points in order: 29°07.640′ 88°23.608′; 29°07.603′ 88°20.590′; 29°03.749′ 88°20.554′; 29°03.734′ 88°22.016′; 29°02.367′ 88°21.998′; 29°02.281′ 88°24.972′; 29°07.568′ 88°25.044′; 29°07.592′ 88°25.044′; 29°07.676′ 88°25.045′; 29°07.640′ 88°23.608′.Deployment of a bottom longline, bottom trawl, buoy gear, dredge, pot, or trap, and bottom anchoring by fishing vessels are prohibited year-round in the area of the HAPC. This prohibition does not apply to a fishing vessel issued a Gulf royal red shrimp endorsement, as specified in §622.50(c), while the vessel is fishing for royal red shrimp.

Viosca Knoll 826

Viosca Knoll 826 HAPC is bounded by rhumb lines connecting the following points in order: 29°10.920′ 88°03.509′; 29°10.877′ 87°59.460′; 29°07.974′ 87°59.448′; 29°08.017′ 88°03.532′; 29°10.920′ 88°03.509′.Deployment of a bottom longline, bottom trawl, buoy gear, dredge, pot, or trap, and bottom anchoring by fishing vessels are prohibited year-round in the HAPC.

Tortugas South

Tortugas South area is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following points: 24°33′00″ 83°09′00″; 24°33′00″ 83°05′00″; 24°18′00″ 83°05′00″; 24°18′00″ 83°09′00″; 24°33′00″ 83°09′00″.Fishing for any species and bottom anchoring by fishing vessels is prohibited year-round. 

The Edges

The Edges is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following points: 28°51′ 85°16′; 28°51′ 85°04′; 28°14′ 84°42′; 28°14′ 84°54′; 28°51′ 85°16′.All fishing prohibited January through April. Possession of any fish species is prohibited January through April, except when in transit with fishing gear stowed.

Stetson Bank

Stetson Bank HAPC is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following points: 28°10′38.3″ 94°18′36.5″; 28°10′38.3″ 94°17′06.3″; 28°09′18.6″ 94°17′06.3″; 28°09′18.6″ 94°18′36.5″; 28°10′38.3″ 94°18′36.5″.Deployment of bottom longline, bottom trawl, buoy gear, pot, or trap and bottom anchoring by fishing vessels is prohibited year-round. 

Steamboat Lumps

Steamboat Lumps is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following points: 28°14′ 84°48′; 28°14′ 84°37′; 28°03′ 84°37′; 28°03′ 84°48′'; 28°14′ 84°48′.Possession of Reef Fish prohibited year-round, except when in transit with fishing gear stowed. Possession of all fish is prohibited November through April, except when in transit with fishing gear stowed. All Fishing Prohibited with the exception of surface trawling which is allowed May through October.

Southern Bank

Southern Bank HAPC is bounded by rhumb lines connecting the following points in order: 27°26.923′ 96°31.902′; 27°26.989′ 96°30.881′; 27°25.958′ 96°31.134′; 27°25.958′ 96°31.892′; 27°26.923′ 96°31.902′.Deployment of a bottom longline, bottom trawl, buoy gear, dredge, pot, or trap, and bottom anchoring by fishing vessels are prohibited year-round in the HAPC.

Roughtounge Reef

Roughtongue Reef HAPC is bounded by rhumb lines connecting the following points in order: 29°27.596′ 87°37.527′; 29°27.621′ 87°31.552′; 29°25.007′ 87°31.539′; 29°24.981′ 87°37.510′; 29°27.596′ 87°37.527′.Deployment of a bottom longline, bottom trawl, buoy gear, dredge, pot, or trap, and bottom anchoring by fishing vessels are prohibited year-round in the HAPC.

Pulley Ridge South Portion A

Pulley Ridge South Portion A HAPC is bounded by rhumb lines connecting the following points in order: 24°40.000′ 83°41.366′; 24°39.666′ 83°42.648′; 24°47.555′ 83°55.240′; 24°57.065′ 83°48.405′; 24°52.859′ 83°41.841′; 24°43.917′ 83°47.250′; 24°40.000′ 83°41.366′.Deployment of a bottom trawl, buoy gear, dredge, pot, or trap, and bottom anchoring by fishing vessels are prohibited year-round in the HAPC.

Pulley Ridge

Pulley Ridge HAPC is bounded by rhumb lines connecting the following points: A 24°58′18″ 83°38′33″; B 24°58′18″ 83°37′00″; C 24°41′11″ 83°37′00″; D 24°40′00″ 83°41′22″; E 24°43′55″ 83°47′15″; A 24°58′18″ 83°38′33″.Deployment of bottom longline, bottom trawl, buoy gear, pot, or trap and bottom anchoring by fishing vessels is prohibited year-round. 

Mississippi Canyon 118

Mississippi Canyon 118 HAPC is bounded by rhumb lines connecting the following points in order: 28°53.183′ 88°30.789′; 28°53.216′ 88°27.819′; 28°50.602′88°27.782′; 28°48.944′ 88°27.759′; 28°48.962′ 88°30.727′; 28°53.183′ 88°30.789′.Deployment of a bottom longline, bottom trawl, buoy gear, dredge, pot, or trap, and bottom anchoring by fishing vessels are prohibited year-round in the HAPC.

McGrail Bank

McGrail Bank HAPC is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following points: 27°59′06.0″ 92°37′19.2″; 27°59′06.0″ 92°32′17.4″; 27°55′55.5″ 92°32′17.4″; 27°55′55.5″ 92°37′19.2″; 27°59′06.0″ 92°37′19.2″.Deployment of bottom longline, bottom trawl, buoy gear, pot, or trap and bottom anchoring by fishing vessels is prohibited year-round. 

Madison Swanson

The Madison and Swanson sites are bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following points: 29°17′ 85°50′; 29°17′ 85°38′; 29°06′ 85°38′; 29°06′ 85°50′; 29°17′ 85°50′.Fishing prohibited year-round. Possession of reef fish prohibited even for vessels in transit unless the vessel has an operating vessel monitoring system, a valid federal commercial Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Permit, and fishing gear is appropriately stowed. These prohibitions do not apply to Atlantic Highly Migratory Species.

Lobster Trap Gear Closed Areas

Fishing with spiny lobster trap gear is prohibited year-round in the following areas bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in order, the points listed below:Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 1: A 24°31′15.002″ 81°31′00.000", B 24°31′15.002″ 81°31′19.994"; C 24°31′29.999″ 81°31′19.994"; D 24°31′29.999″ 81°31′00.000"; A 24°31′15.002″ 81°31′00.000″.Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 2: A 24°31′20.205″ 81°30′17.213"; B 24°31′17.858″ 81°30′27.700"; C 24°31′27.483″ 81°30′30.204"; D 24°31′29.831″ 81°30′19.483"; A 24°31′20.205″ 81°30′17.213″. Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 3: A 24°31′42.665″ 81°30′02.892"; B 24°31′45.013″ 81°29′52.093"; C 24°31′34.996″ 81°29′49.745"; D 24°31′32.335″ 81°30′00.466"; A 24°31′42.665″ 81°30′02.892″. Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 4: A 24°31′50.996″ 81°28′39.999"; B 24°31′50.996″ 81°29′03.002"; C 24°31′56.998″ 81°29′03.002"; D 24°31′56.998″ 81°28′39.999"; A 24°31′50.996″ 81°28′39.999″. Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 5: A 24°32′20.014″ 81°26′20.390"; B 24°32′13.999″ 81°26′41.999"; C 24°32′27.004″ 81°26′45.611"; D 24°32′33.005″ 81°26′23.995"; A 24°32′20.014″ 81°26′20.390″.Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 6: A 24°32′30.011″ 81°24′47.000"; B 24°32′23.790″ 81°24′56.558"; C 24°32′45.997″ 81°25′10.998"; D 24°32′52.218″ 81°25′01.433"; A 24°32′30.011″ 81°24′47.000″.Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 7: A 24°32′46.834″ 81°27′17.615"; B 24°32′41.835″ 81°27′35.619"; C 24°32′54.003″ 81°27′38.997"; D 24°32′59.002″ 81°27′21.000"; A 24°32′46.834″ 81°27′17.615″.Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 8: A 24°33′10.002″ 81°25′50.995"; B 24°33′04.000″ 81°26′18.996"; C 24°33′17.253″ 81°26′21.839"; D 24°33′23.254″ 81°25′53.838"; A 24°33′10.002″ 81°25′50.995″. Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 9: A 24°33′22.004″ 81°30′31.998"; B 24°33′22.004″ 81°30′41.000"; C 24°33′29.008″ 81°30′41.000"; D 24°33′29.008″ 81°30′31.998"; A 24°33′22.004″ 81°30′31.998″.Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 10: A 24°33′33.004″ 81°30′00.000"; B 24°33′33.004″ 81°30′09.998"; C 24°33′41.999″ 81°30′09.998"; D 24°33′41.999″ 81°30′00.000"; A 24°33′33.004″ 81°30′00.000″.Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 11: A 24°33′50.376″ 81°23′35.039"; B 24°33′27.003″ 81°24′51.003"; C 24°33′40.008″ 81°24′54.999"; D 24°34′03.382″ 81°23′39.035"; A 24°33′50.376″ 81°23′35.039″.Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 12: A 24°34′00.003″ 81°19′29.996"; B 24°34′00.003″ 81°20′04.994"; C 24°34′24.997″ 81°20′04.994"; D 24°34′24.997″ 81°19′29.996"; A 24°34′00.003″ 81°19′29.996″. Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 13: A 24°35′19.997″ 81°14′25.002"; B 24°35′19.997″ 81°14′34.999"; C 24°35′29.006″ 81°14′34.999"; D 24°35′29.006″ 81°14′25.002"; A 24°35′19.997″ 81°14′25.002″.Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 14: A 24°44′37.004″ 80°46′47.000"; B 24°44′37.004″ 80°46′58.000"; C 24°44′47.002″ 80°46′58.000"; D 24°44′47.002″ 80°46′47.000"; A 24°44′37.004″ 80°46′47.000″. Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 15: A 24°49′53.946″ 80°38′17.646"; B 24°48′32.331″ 80°40′15.530"; C 24°48′44.389″ 80°40′23.879"; D 24°50′06.004″ 80°38′26.003"; A 24°49′53.946″ 80°38′17.646″. Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 16: A 24°53′32.085″ 80°33′22.065"; B 24°53′38.992″ 80°33′14.670"; C 24°53′31.673″ 80°33′07.155"; D 24°53′24.562″ 80°33′14.886"; A 24°53′32.085″ 80°33′22.065″.Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 17: A 24°53′33.410″ 80°32′50.247"; B 24°53′40.149″ 80°32′42.309"; C 24°53′32.418″ 80°32′35.653"; D 24°53′25.348″ 80°32′43.302"; A 24°53′33.410″ 80°32′50.247″.Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 18: A 24°54′06.317″ 80°32′34.115"; B 24°53′59.368″ 80°32′41.542"; C 24°54′06.667″ 80°32′48.994"; D 24°54′13.917″ 80°32′41.238"; A 24°54′06.317″ 80°32′34.115″.Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 19: A 24°54′06.000″ 80°31′33.995"; B 24°54′06.000″ 80°31′45.002"; C 24°54′36.006″ 80°31′45.002"; D 24°54′36.006″ 80°31′33.995"; A 24°54′06.000″ 80°31′33.995″.Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 20: A 24°56′21.104″ 80°28′52.331"; B 24°56′17.012″ 80°29′05.995"; C 24°56′26.996″ 80°29′08.996"; D 24°56′31.102″ 80°28′55.325"; A 24°56′21.104″ 80°28′52.331″.Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 21: A 24°56′53.006″ 80°27′46.997"; B 24°56′21.887″ 80°28′25.367"; C 24°56′35.002″ 80°28′36.003"; D 24°57′06.107″ 80°27′57.626"; A 24°56′53.006″ 80°27′46.997″. Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 22: A 24°57′35.001″ 80°27′14.999"; B 24°57′28.011″ 80°27′21.000"; C 24°57′33.999″ 80°27′27.997"; D 24°57′40.200″ 80°27′21.106"; A 24°57′35.001″ 80°27′14.999″.Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 23: A 24°58′58.154″ 80°26′03.911"; B 24°58′48.005″ 80°26′10.001"; C 24°58′52.853″ 80°26′18.090"; D 24°59′03.002″ 80°26′11.999"; A 24°58′58.154″ 80°26′03.911″.Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 24: A 24°59′17.009″ 80°24′32.999"; B 24°58′41.001″ 80°25′21.998"; C 24°58′57.591″ 80°25′34.186"; D 24°59′33.598″ 80°24′45.187"; A 24°59′17.009″ 80°24′32.999″.Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 25: A 24°59′44.008″ 80°25′38.999"; B 24°59′27.007″ 80°25′48.997"; C 24°59′32.665″ 80°25′58.610"; D 24°59′49.666″ 80°25′48.612"; A 24°59′44.008″ 80°25′38.999″.Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 26: A 25°01′00.006″ 80°21′55.002"; B 25°01′00.006″ 80°22′11.996"; C 25°01′18.010″ 80°22′11.996"; D 25°01′18.010″ 80°21′55.002"; A 25°01′00.006″ 80°21′55.002″.Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 27: A 25°01′34.997″ 80°23′12.998"; B 25°01′18.010″ 80°23′44.000"; C 25°01′22.493″ 80°23′46.473"; D 25°01′36.713″ 80°23′37.665"; E 25°01′46.657″ 80°23′19.390"; A 25°01′34.997″ 80°23′12.998″.Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 28: A 25°01′38.005″ 80°21′25.998"; B 25°01′28.461″ 80°21′46.158"; C 25°01′45.009″ 80°21′53.999"; D 25°01′54.553″ 80°21′33.839"; A 25°01′38.005″ 80°21′25.998″.Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 29: A 25°01′53.001″ 80°23′08.995"; B 25°01′53.001″ 80°23′17.997"; C 25°02′01.008″ 80°23′17.997"; D 25°02′01.008″ 80°23′08.995"; A 25°01′53.001″ 80°23′08.995″.Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 30: A 25°02′20.000″ 80°22′11.001"; B 25°02′10.003″ 80°22′50.002"; C 25°02′22.252″ 80°22′53.140"; D 25°02′32.250″ 80°22′14.138"; A 25°02′20.000″ 80°22′11.001″.Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 31: A 25°02′29.503″ 80°20′30.503"; B 25°02′16.498″ 80°20′43.501"; C 25°02′24.999″ 80°20′52.002"; D 25°02′38.004″ 80°20′38.997"; A 25°02′29.503″ 80°20′30.503″. Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 32: A 25°02′34.008″ 80°21′57.000"; B 25°02′34.008″ 80°22′14.997"; C 25°02′50.007″ 80°22′14.997"; D 25°02′50.007″ 80°21′57.000"; A 25°02′34.008″ 80°21′57.000″.Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 33: A 25°03′11.294″ 80°21′36.864"; B 25°03′02.540″ 80°21′43.143"; C 25°03′08.999″ 80°21′51.994"; D 25°03′17.446″ 80°21′45.554"; A 25°03′11.294″ 80°21′36.864″.Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 34: A 25°03′30.196″ 80°21′34.263"; B 25°03′39.267″ 80°21′29.506"; C 25°03′35.334″ 80°21′19.801"; D 25°03′26.200″ 80°21′24.304"; A 25°03′30.196″ 80°21′34.263″.Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 35: A 25°03′26.001″ 80°19′43.001"; B 25°03′26.001″ 80°19′54.997"; C 25°03′41.011″ 80°19′54.997"; D 25°03′41.011″ 80°19′43.001"; A 25°03′26.001″ 80°19′43.001″.Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 36: A 25°07′03.008″ 80°17′57.999"; B 25°07′03.008″ 80°18′10.002"; C 25°07′14.997″ 80°18′10.002"; D 25°07′14.997″ 80°17′57.999"; A 25°07′03.008″ 80°17′57.999″.Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 37: A 25°07′51.156″ 80°17′27.910"; B 25°07′35.857″ 80°17′37.091"; C 25°07′43.712″ 80°17′50.171"; D 25°07′59.011″ 80°17′40.998"; A 25°07′51.156″ 80°17′27.910″.Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 38: A 25°08′12.002″ 80°17′09.996"; B 25°07′55.001″ 80°17′26.997"; C 25°08′04.998″ 80°17′36.995"; D 25°08′22.000″ 80°17′20.000"; A 25°08′12.002″ 80°17′09.996″.Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 39: A 25°08′18.003″ 80°17′34.001"; B 25°08′18.003″ 80°17′45.997"; C 25°08′29.003″ 80°17′45.997"; D 25°08′29.003″ 80°17′34.001"; A 25°08′18.003″ 80°17′34.001″.Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 40: A 25°08′45.002″ 80°15′50.002"; B 25°08′37.999″ 80°15′56.998"; C 25°08′42.009″ 80°16′00.995"; D 25°08′48.999″ 80°15′53.998"; A 25°08′45.002″ 80°15′50.002".Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 41: A 25°08′58.007″ 80°17′24.999"; B 25°08′58.007″ 80°17′35.999"; C 25°09′09.007″ 80°17′35.999"; D 25°09′09.007″ 80°17′24.999"; A 25°08′58.007″ 80°17′24.999".Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 42: A 25°09′10.999″ 80°16′00.000"; B 25°09′10.999″ 80°16′09.997"; C 25°09′20.996″ 80°16′09.997"; D 25°09′20.996″ 80°16′00.000"; A 25°09′10.999″ 80°16′00.000".Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 43: A 25°09′28.316″ 80°17′03.713"; B 25°09′14.006″ 80°17′17.000"; C 25°09′21.697″ 80°17′25.280"; D 25°09′36.006″ 80°17′12.001"; A 25°09′28.316″ 80°17′03.713".Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 44: A 25°10′00.011″ 80°16′06.000"; B 25°10′00.011″ 80°16′17.000"; C 25°10′09.995″ 80°16′17.000"; D 25°10′09.995″ 80°16′06.000"; A 25°10′00.011″ 80°16′06.000".Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 45: A 25°10′29.002″ 80°15′52.995"; B 25°10′29.002″ 80°16′04.002"; C 25°10′37.997″ 80°16′04.002"; D 25°10′37.997″ 80°15′52.995"; A 25°10′29.002″ 80°15′52.995".Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 46: A 25°11′05.998″ 80°14′25.997"; B 25°11′05.998″ 80°14′38.000"; C 25°11′20.006″ 80°14′38.000"; D 25°11′20.006″ 80°14′25.997"; A 25°11′05.998″ 80°14′25.997".Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 47: A 25°12′00.998″ 80°13′24.996"; B 25°11′43.008″ 80°13′35.000"; C 25°11′48.007″ 80°13′44.002"; D 25°12′06.011″ 80°13′33.998"; A 25°12′00.998″ 80°13′24.996".Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 48: A 25°12′18.343″ 80°14′32.768"; B 25°12′02.001″ 80°14′44.001"; C 25°12′07.659″ 80°14′52.234"; D 25°12′24.001″ 80°14′41.001"; A 25°12′18.343″ 80°14′32.768".Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 49: A 25°15′23.998″ 80°12′29.000"; B 25°15′04.676″ 80°12′36.120"; C 25°15′09.812″ 80°12′50.066"; D 25°15′29.148″ 80°12′42.946"; A 25°15′23.998″ 80°12′29.000".Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 50. A 25°16′01.997″ 80°12′32.996"; B 25°15′33.419″ 80°12′52.394"; C 25°15′44.007″ 80°13′08.001"; D 25°16′12.585″ 80°12′48.597"; A 25°16′01.997″ 80°12′32.996".Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 51: A 25°16′33.006″ 80°13′30.001"; B 25°16′33.006″ 80°13′41.001"; C 25°16′34.425″ 80°13′41.026"; D 25°16′41.850″ 80°13′37.475"; E 25°16′42.001″ 80°13′30.001"; A 25°16′33.006″ 80°13′30.001".Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 52: A 25°17′04.715″ 80°12′11.305"; B 25°16′17.007″ 80°12′27.997"; C 25°16′23.997″ 80°12′47.999"; D 25°17′11.705″ 80°12′31.300"; A 25°17′04.715″ 80°12′11.305".Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 53: A 25°17′23.008″ 80°12′40.000"; B 25°17′23.008″ 80°12′49.997"; C 25°17′33.005″ 80°12′49.997"; D 25°17′33.005″ 80°12′40.000"; A 25°17′23.008″ 80°12′40.000".Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 54: A 25°20′57.996″ 80°09′50.000"; B 25°20′57.996″ 80°10′00.000"; C 25°21′07.005″ 80°10′00.000"; D 25°21′07.005″ 80°09′50.000"; A 25°20′57.996″ 80°09′50.000". Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 55: A 25°21′45.004″ 80°09′51.998"; B 25°21′38.124″ 80°09′56.722"; C 25°21′49.124″ 80°10′12.728"; D 25°21′56.004″ 80°10′07.997"; A 25°21′45.004″ 80°09′51.998".Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 56: A 25°21′49.000″ 80°09′21.999"; B 25°21′49.000″ 80°09′31.996"; C 25°21′58.998″ 80°09′31.996"; D 25°21′58.998″ 80°09′21.999"; A 25°21′49.000″ 80°09′21.999".Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 57: A 25°24′31.008″ 80°07′36.997"; B 25°24′31.008″ 80°07′48.999"; C 25°24′41.005″ 80°07′48.999"; D 25°24′41.005″ 80°07′36.997"; A 25°24′31.008″ 80°07′36.997".Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 58: A 25°25′14.005″ 80°07′27.995"; B 25°25′14.005″ 80°07′44.001"; C 25°25′26.008″ 80°07′44.001"; D 25°25′26.008″ 80°07′27.995"; A 25°25′14.005″ 80°07′27.995".Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 59: A 25°35′13.996″ 80°05′39.999"; B 25°35′13.996″ 80°05′50.999"; C 25°35′24.007″ 80°05′50.999"; D 25°35′24.007″ 80°05′39.999"; A 25°35′13.996″ 80°05′39.999". Lobster Trap Gear Closed Area 60: A 25°40′57.003″, 80°05′43.000″; B 25°40′57.003″, 80°05′54.000″; C 25°41′06.550″, 80°05′53.980″; D 25°41′18.136″, 80°05′49.158″; E 25°41′18.001″, 80°05′43.000″; A 25°40′57.003″, 80°05′43.000″.

L&W Pinnacles and Scamp Reef

L & W Pinnacles and Scamp Reef HAPC is bounded by rhumb lines connecting the following points in order: 29°18.595′ 87°48.757′; 29°18.484′ 87°50.688′; 29°19.754′ 87°52.484′; 29°20.401′ 87°51.449′; 29°20.095′ 87°50.933′; 29°20.832′ 87°46.631′; 29°21.473′ 87°46.326′; 29°21.314′ 87°45.535′; 29°22.518′ 87°43.465′; 29°21.144′ 87°42.632′; 29°19.269′ 87°45.525′; 29°18.595′ 87°48.757′.Deployment of a bottom longline, bottom trawl, buoy gear, dredge, pot, or trap, and bottom anchoring by fishing vessels are prohibited year-round in the area of the HAPC.

Harte Bank

Harte Bank HAPC is bounded by rhumb lines connecting the following points in order: 26°40.826′ 96°36.590′; 26°40.789′ 96°32.220′; 26°37.992′ 96°32.308′; 26°38.043′ 96°36.636′; 26°40.826′ 96°36.590′.Deployment of a bottom longline, bottom trawl, buoy gear, dredge, pot, or trap, and bottom anchoring by fishing vessels are prohibited year-round in the HAPC.

Green Canyon 852

Green Canyon 852 HAPC is bounded by rhumb lines connecting the following points in order: 27°08.354′ 91°08.929′; 27°05.740′ 91°08.963′; 27°05.762′ 91°10.610′; 27°08.376′ 91°10.567′; 27°08.354′ 91°08.929′.Deployment of a bottom longline, bottom trawl, buoy gear, dredge, pot, or trap, and bottom anchoring by fishing vessels are prohibited year-round in the HAPC.

Florida Middle Grounds

Florida Middle Grounds HAPC is the area bounded by rhumb lines connecting the following points: 28°42.5′ N 84°24.8′ W28°42.5′ N 84°16.3′ W28°11.0′ N 84°00.0′ W28°11.0′ N 84°07.0′ W28°26.6′ N 84°24.8′ W28°42.5′ N 84°24.8′ WDeployment of bottom longline, bottom trawl, dredge, pot, or trap is prohibited year-round. 

EEZ Tortugas North

The area is bounded by rhumb lines connecting the following points: From point A at 24°40′00″ N. lat., 83°06′00″ W. long. to point B at 24°46′00″ N. lat., 83°06′00″ W. long. to point C at 24°46′00″ N. lat., 83°00′00″ W. long.; thence along the line denoting the seaward limit of Florida's waters, as shown on the current edition of NOAA chart 11434, to point A at 24°40′00″ N. lat., 83°06′00″ W. long.Fishing for any species and bottom anchoring by fishing vessels is prohibited year-round. 

East Flower Garden Banks

East Flower Garden Bank is bounded by rhumb lines connecting, in order, the following points: 27°59′14.4″ N 93°38′58.2″ W27°59′14.4″ N 93°34′03.5″ W27°52′36.5″ N 93°34′03.5″ W27°52′36.5″ N 93°38′58.2″ W27°59′14.4″ N 93°38′58.2″ WDeployment of bottom longline, bottom trawl, buoy gear, dredge, pot, or trap and bottom anchoring by fishing vessels is prohibited year-round.

AT 357

AT 357 HAPC is bounded by rhumb lines connecting the following points in order: 27°36.259' N 89°43.068' W 27°36.315' N 89°40.136' W27°33.703' N 89°40.073' W27°33.646' N 89°43.004' WDeployment of a bottom longline, bottom trawl, buoy gear, dredge, pot, or trap, and bottom anchoring by fishing vessels are prohibited year-round in the HAPC.

AT 047

AT 047 HAPC is bounded by rhumb lines connecting the following points in order: 27°54.426′ N 89°49.404′ W27°54.486′ N 89°46.464′ W27°51.874′ N 89°46.397′ W27°51.814′ N 89°49.336′ WDeployment of a bottom longline, bottom trawl, buoy gear, dredge, pot, or trap and bottom anchoring by fishing vessels are prohibited year-round in the HAPC.

Conditions
Harvest Limitations

Tailing is authorized only when the possession is incidental to fishing exclusively in the EEZ on a trip of 48 hours or more and a valid Federal tail-separation permit, AND either a valid Federal vessel permit for spiny lobster or a valid Florida Saltwater Products License with a valid Florida Restricted Species Endorsement and a valid Crawfish Endorsement.

Sale Purchase Restrictions

Spiny lobster harvested in or from the Gulf or South Atlantic EEZ or adjoining state waters by a vessel that has a commercial Spiny Lobster Permit may be sold or transferred only to a dealer who has a valid Gulf and South Atlantic dealer permit.

A Guide to Spiny Lobster Closed Areas for Commercial Trap Fishing

Harvest Limits

Sector Annual Catch Limit Annual Catch Target
Stock  9,600,000 pounds 8,640,000 pounds