Keys Cookbook Coral Reef Safe Lobstering

Here’s a practical and respectful guide. Keys Cookbook or guest FloridaKeysVillas.com materials about safe and reef-friendly practices while hunting spiny lobsters:

🧭 Reef-Safe Lobstering: How to Protect Coral While Lobstering in the Florida Keys

🌊 1. Never Stand on Coral

· Why: Coral is fragile and living — standing, kneeling, or touching it can kill it.

· Tip: Always keep your fins, knees, and gear clear of the bottom. Practice neutral buoyancy when diving or snorkeling.

🧰 2. Use Gentle Gear

· Use only tickle sticks and nets — no hooks or spears, which can damage coral and are illegal for lobster harvest.

· Use mesh bags to carry lobsters — avoid dragging gear across the reef.

📏 3. Measure Before You Move

· Use an underwater lobster gauge to measure the carapace while still in the water.

· Only take lobsters with carapace over 3 inches and without eggs.

· Don’t handle lobsters unnecessarily — let undersized or egg-bearing lobsters go gently.

🚫 4. Don’t Flip Rocks or Disturb Coral Heads

· Flipping rocks can displace coral life and damage the ecosystem.

· Gently coax lobsters out of natural crevices using your tickle stick — don’t pry or poke into reef structures