Commercial Spiny Lobster Trap Fishery

An Overview of Trap Loss in Florida’s Spiny Lobster Trap Fishery
Loss of gear is common in all fisheries, and the Florida spiny lobster trap fishery is no exception.

Lobster Trap Debris in the Florida Keys
The majority of lobster trap fishing occurs in the Florida Keys where lobster is important to the cultural history and economy.

Retrieval of Lost Traps and Trap Debris
The FWC has two programs that are dedicated to removing lost and abandoned spiny lobster, stone crab and blue crab traps throughout Florida. Significant challenges remain for the prevention and removal of lost traps which accumulate faster than they are removed.

Ghost Fishing Lobster Traps
Ghost fishing is the term used for fishing gear that catches and kills animals after it is lost.

Habitat Damage by Lobster Traps
Lobster fisherman in the Florida Keys primarily use wooden slat lobster traps. Damage to habitat can occur when traps are used in coral habitat or sit too long in seagrass habitat. Traps also damage habitat when they are lost in seagrass and when storms move them into coral.

Flickr Photo Set
Researchers study the impacts of lost lobster traps on the environment.