The Florida Keys Keynoter recently reported on changes to rules regarding commercial lobster diving licenses. According to the source, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) made multiple adjustments to existing policies, allowing owners of restricted permits to sell them this summer and waiving an owner presence-related requirement for the boats lobster fishermen use during a harvest.
These changes were influenced by recommendations made by the Florida Keys Commercial Fishermen's Association, and may make it easier for commercial lobster fishing outfits to operate in that region. One goal of the Commission's new decisions, which will take effect July 1, is to update the language of the older rules and make them easier to understand.
While the FWC did not release any new permits, it did acknowledge that the current number of commercial divers is appropriate. Since unrenewed permits were revoked, the number of active available ones dropped from 404 in 2004 to 252 in 2015, so the leniency in selling them could make up for the lack of new permits.
In a press release from the FWC, the organization outlined the multiple goals of the new rule updates, which apply specifically to fishermen who specialize in catching spiny lobster.
"These changes will provide new opportunities while maintaining historical participation levels," the statement reads. "They will also prevent the commercial spiny lobster dive industry from eventually being phased out." It adds that allowing harvests to proceed without the "commercial dive endorsement holder" being onboard the vessel will "provide further opportunities for participation in the fishery."
In addition to following local regulations, fishermen should have commercial diving insurance to help recover costs in the event of a work-related accident. Adjusting to new guidelines could always bring with it an element of risk, so fishing companies have to be prepared.