b. Prohibit lobster trapping on Fore Reef _on1y under all, boundary 

 alternatives. PREFFERRED ALTERNATIVE. 



This option would prohibit the setting of traps in the Fore Reef 

 consistent with the HAPC plan 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 Readi ngs, points 

 1, 2, 3, and 4, Appendix A). Lobster trapping would be allowed 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 species richness by partially protecting the 

 spiny lobster as a major predator in the reef system (Figure 8). 



Studies on lobster populations in the Dry Tortugas have shown 

 seasonal relocations between adjacent reef and grass flat areas and that 

 individual lobsters return to the same general area each year. As a 

 result, individuals of the Looe Key resident population may be trapped 

 as they move between the Fore Reef, Reef Flat and the grass flats of 

 the Patch Reefs to feed. 



Studies in Ft. Jefferson National Monument (Dry Tortugas) have 

 also demonstrated that in late summer and early fall an equal number of 

 males/females concentrated in large lairs in the shallow patch reefs. 

 If this is true of Looe Key, then large numbers of the Looe Key population 

 could be taken at the start of the fishing season in the Patch Reef 

 area, which lies outside the regulated area in Boundary Alternative #1. 

 Finally, studies indicate that in late November and early December, as 

 water temperatures cool, lobsters disperse to smaller scattered lairs on 

 the deeper reefs at depths 12-30 m. 



It appears that a prohibition against lobster trapping on the 

 Fore Reef might help protect the renewable lobster resources at Looe Key 

 for the time being. Completion of the spiny lobster FMP will also contribute 

 to sustaining the 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 

 Boundary Option #2 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 more open sandy areas on which to place 

 traps. This alternative would protect the Fore Reef from physical damage 

 while resulting in minimal economic loss to the lobster fishermen and 

 regional businesses in the area by allowing trapping in a major portion 

 of the sanctuary. 



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