Requirements for Recreational Traps
Recreational fishers age 16 and older (including those normally exempt from needing a license) are required to complete an online, no-cost recreational stone and/or blue crab trap registration before using stone or blue crab traps.
To register, visitGoOutdoorsFlorida.comand add the Recreational Stone Crab Trap Registration or the Recreational Blue Crab Trap Registration to your fishing license account.
Upon completion, each person will receive unique trap registration numbers that must be included on each trap along with the owner’s full name and address.Registration numbers for stone crab traps will begin with the letter “S”; registration numbers for blue crab traps will begin with the letter “B.” This information must be legible and must be permanently attached to each trap.
This no-cost registration will allow FWC to collect important information about these recreational fisheries needed for future stock assessments and management decisions.
Harvesters under 16 are not required to register but still must mark their traps with their name and address.
As someone deeply involved in recreational fishing regulations and practices, I can confidently affirm the significance of trap registration for stone and blue crab fishing. The requirement for fishers aged 16 and above to complete an online, no-cost registration for their stone or blue crab traps is crucial for several reasons, primarily centered around conservation and effective management of these specific fisheries.
This regulation is part of a broader effort by organizations like the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to monitor and manage the populations of stone and blue crabs. By mandating trap registration, authorities can gather essential data for stock assessments and make informed decisions regarding the management and conservation of these species.
The registration process involves obtaining unique trap registration numbers from GoOutdoorsFlorida.com and linking them to an individual's fishing license account. These registration numbers, starting with "S" for stone crab traps and "B" for blue crab traps, must be prominently displayed on each respective trap alongside the owner's full name and address.
It's vital that this information is not only accurate but also legible and permanently attached to the traps. This ensures compliance with the regulation and aids authorities in tracking and managing the traps effectively.
Additionally, while registration is not mandatory for harvesters under 16, it's still required for them to mark their traps with their name and address. This serves as a means of identification and accountability even though they're exempt from the formal registration process.
Overall, this registration system supports sustainable fishing practices by providing essential data to make informed decisions about the management and conservation of stone and blue crab populations. It's a critical step toward ensuring these fisheries remain healthy and viable for future generations of recreational fishers.
