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Flogging Molly - The Salty Dog

DOES MINISEASON HURT THE KEYS?

The FWC makes a straight faced estimate that about 500,000 pounds of lobster are taken during the sport season – again based on their trusty questionnaire. The more realistic number is closer to 1,000,000 pounds. With a single season opening, a percentage of these would be caught by trappers, and provide a shot in the arm for an industry that is currently being regulated to death. Fishing For a Living

I was scouring the internet for miniseason news when I stumbled across this article written by, who I can only assume is a Florida Keys commercial fisherman. While it has some valid points I think that their frustration is misplaced.

Obviously any businessman who loses out do to government regulation would be frustrated, and rightfully so. However, upon examination of his or her argument, I believe it misses the economic impact on the Keys completely. Granted I am taking them completely at their word on the numbers in their articles, but they state that in 35 years the interest in mini season has grown from a few recreational divers to 50,000+. The article also double's the FWC's lobster pound estimate (which it provides no support for, but repeatedly criticizes the FWC's study) at 1,000,000 pounds. 

Based on the quasi scientific guess of this author, even at $5.50 per pound that means miniseason costs the Florida Keys an estimated $5,500,000. At 50,000 divers that is an economic impact of $110 per diver, and only $55 per diver according to the FWC's estimates.

I am not trying to take anything away from commercial fisherman but lets be realistic here, each person in our group spends well over $55 - $110 to go to the keys for this experience. When you consider planes, gas for cars and boats, food, lodging, equipment, drinks, entertainment, and everything in-between, I hate to add it up but we are probably talking at least $700 a person.Granted not all of that ends up in the Keys or in Florida but I guarantee a majority of it ends up in Florida and more than $110 gets left in the Keys.

Again, I have no qualms against the author for standing up for an industry but at the same time I think they are looking at the issue from a very small perspective. Regardless, lets all keep the industry and the wildlife in mind this year while we dive for lobsters. There is a reason that quotas are in place... so that we can all share in this glorious experience for many more years to come.