Deputy Busts Diver with Undersized and Out-of-Season Lobster Haul
MONROE COUNTY, Fla. – A St. Petersburg man found himself in hot water with the law today after a Monroe County Deputy discovered him in possession of numerous illegally harvested lobsters near the Long Key Bridge.
Brian Rafael De La Torre Cartelle, 25, was arrested by Middle Keys Marine Deputy Willie Guerra shortly after 3:22 p.m. Deputy Guerra, on routine patrol, initially observed De La Torre Cartelle diving without a required dive flag, prompting further investigation.
READ: Naples Woman Cited For Out-Of-Season Lobster In Florida Keys Traffic Stop
Upon inspection, Deputy Guerra discovered a total of eight lobsters in De La Torre Cartelle’s possession. Of these, seven were found to be undersized, a common violation aimed at protecting juvenile lobster populations. Further compounding the charges, five of the lobster tails had been “wrung” on the water – a practice prohibited as it makes it impossible to verify the lobster’s legal size.
De La Torre Cartelle also faces charges for possession of lobster during the closed season, as well as being over the legal limit for lobster. Additionally, he was cited for not having a measuring device, which is mandatory for all lobster harvesters to ensure compliance with size regulations.
De La Torre Cartelle was taken into custody on multiple charges related to the illegal harvesting of spiny lobster.
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