Dear Editor,

Every year, prior to and after Lobster Sport Season, there are requests to abolish the event. Lobster Sport Season was originally created in an effort to alleviate a bad situation. Prior to the establishment of Mini Season, the opening day of Lobster Season was complete chaos. Countless commercial harvesters and recreational hunters were on the water at the same time, which led to dangerous situations. Throughout the years, the event has been modified in an effort to gain more control. The 2016 Lobster Sport Season may be the time for more modifications.

1. Create a Monroe County only regulation banning the use of compressed air for sport season. This proposal would help limit the number of lobster hunters in the water and would add to the “sport” of lobstering.

2. Add a $5.00 enforcement fee to all annual lobster permits. This fee would be earmarked for supplies, equipment, and manpower for lobster law enforcement. This would help both the commercial and recreational user groups by adding officers and equipment in an effort to prevent poaching and trap robbing.

3. Create a lobster “tag” system. Lobster Sport Season brings reports of multiple trips and over the limits issues. If single use lobster “tags” are mandated to be affixed to the lobster once it is on the boat, it would help lessen over limits.

4. Enhance fines and penalties for over the limit and wrung lobster. The automatic and immediate suspension of lobster license for over the limit or wrung tails on the water could help eliminate the offenders. If you are caught with wrung lobster or over the limit, your lobstering privileges are suspended until your case is complete through the courts.

5. The creation of “Sport Season License” above and beyond the annual Lobster License. Money from this “Sport Season License” can also be used for enforcement and education.

Lobster Season has to open sometime and by making changes to Sport Season, we can help spread out the impact and still have an enjoyable and profitable event for all Keys residents.

Greg Daniels