Person accused of illegally taking spiny lobster from protected area near Islamorada

A person was arrested after Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers said they found them with a speargun and two undersized spiny lobsters near Islamorada. FWC officers responded to the Alligator Reef Sanctuary Preservation Area after receiving a Wildlife Alert tip about someone spearfishing inside the protected area. During an inspection, officers found the individual with a speargun and two undersized spiny lobsters, according to FWC. One of the lobsters was also carrying eggs. The suspect was arrested and charged with taking spiny lobster out of season, spearing spiny lobster, two counts of possessing undersized spiny lobster, possessing an egg-bearing spiny lobster, and spearfishing within a Sanctuary Preservation Area. Florida’s two-day spiny lobster sport season took place July 29 and 30. The regular season runs from Aug. 6 through March 31. FWC reminds those heading out for lobster season to follow regulations regarding season dates, size and bag limits, and gear restrictions. Wildlife and fisheries violations can be reported to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) or through FWC’s Wildlife Alert program. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.