3. Lobster Trapping 



The following alternatives were analyzed for regulating lobster 

 trapping within the proposed sanctuary: 



a. Unrestricted trapping for spiny lobster; 



b. Prohibiting trapping on the Fore Reef only; and 



c. Prohibiting lobster trappi ng. 



NOAA has chosen alternative b as the preferred alternative. This 

 option would prohibit the setting of traps on the Fore Reef consistent 

 with the HAPC special management measure currently proposed by the South 

 Atlantic and Gulf Fishery Management Councils (see Chapter Three). No 

 lobster trapping would be allowed within the core trapezoid area (Loran 

 C Readings points 1 , 2, 3, and 4 see map Chapter Three). Lobster trapping 

 would be allowed within the sanctuary on the Reef Flat, Patch Reefs, the 

 Deep Reef and Deep Ridge. 



This preferred alternative would protect the most spectacular coral 

 assemblages from lobster trap damage and contribute to protection of spiny 

 lobster as a major predator in the reef system. Restricting this part of 

 the reef system from further human activity would protect a significant 

 habitat for spiny lobster in the area which will, in the long term, bene- 

 fit the fisheries interest. Completion of the spiny lobster FMP will 

 also contribute to sustaining a viable lobster fishing industry over the 

 long term, but the degree of protection cannot be determined at this time. 



An estimated 232,000 lbs. of spiny lobster were caught in the 5 sq nm 

 area in 1978. Personal communication with local residents and fishermen 

 revealed that, most of this catch was taken from outside the Fore Reef and 

 Reef Flat zones. According to interviews with local people, lobster boats 

 avoid shallow coral reef areas, preferring sites with greater maneuverability 

 and open sandy areas on which to place traps. This alternative would mini- 

 mize the economic losses to the commercial lobster fishermen and regional 

 businesses in the area by permitting fishing to continue in the major portion 

 of the reef area. It would afford site specific protection now to the Fore 

 Reef which will be enhanced by the Spiny Lobster FMP when it is final. 



NOAA's Office of Coastal Zone Management (OCZM) and the South Atlantic 

 and Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Councils (GMFMC) will continue to work 

 cooperatively under their Memoranda of Understanding in their efforts to protect 

 and enhance the Looe Key coral reef habitat and the spiny lobster fishery. 

 Continued monitoring of the area by the NMFS and the Councils would aid in 

 maintaining the stock of a valuable renewable resource, both in the restricted 

 area and in the area adjacent to the sanctuary. 



4. Tropical Marine Specimen Collecting 



The following alternatives were analyzed for regulating tropical specimen 

 collecting within the proposed sanctuary: 



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