MONROE COUNTY, Fla. – A Florida Keys marine deputy cited two Homestead men in separate incidents over the Memorial Day weekend for multiple lobster-related violations, including possession of out-of-season and undersized crustaceans.
On Sunday, at approximately 3:00 p.m., Middle Keys Marine Deputy Willie Guerra was on patrol near Fiesta Key and the Channel Five Bridge. He observed Josue Morera, 53, of Homestead, Florida, in possession of lobster. Upon inspection, Deputy Guerra found the lobster to be undersized, speared, and out of season. Morera was also cited for not having a required lobster measuring device.
READ: Florida Keys: Miami And Opa-Locka Anglers Cited In Weekend Fishing Violations
The following day, Monday, at roughly 3:43 p.m., Deputy Guerra encountered another individual violating lobster regulations. Near the Long Key Bridge, Juan Alexis Fernandez, 36, also of Homestead, Florida, was found with an undersized and out-of-season lobster.
Both Morera and Fernandez were issued mandatory notices to appear in court.
Florida’s recreational spiny lobster season is currently closed, running annually from August 6 to March 31. Regulations are strictly enforced to protect the lobster population. These rules include a minimum carapace size of greater than 3 inches, which must be measured in the water. Spearing lobster is prohibited for recreational harvest, and all individuals attempting to harvest lobster must possess and use a measuring device.
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