or fire coral" can be quickly killed and bleached on board a boat, with 

 the use of a bleaching agent, before a patrolman can inspect the boat. 

 The regulation for the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, however, 

 which simply states "It is unlawful to take coral from, or possess it", 

 appears the most effective for enforcement purposes. 



Penalty: Criminal 



Fine: $35.65 



The fine of $35.65, set at the present time by a Circuit Court Judge 

 in the Florida Keys, for a misdemeanor of the second degree (prescribed 

 in the statute), is considered by most as little deterrent in the 

 taking of coral from State waters. 



Regulations: The Division of Law Enforcement of the Florida DNR has 

 not, as yet, adopted any regulations to accompany the statute, 370.114, 

 on the taking of marine corals and sea fans. 



Other applicable state regulations: 



370.071 Fishermen and equipment; regulation 



370.10 Crustacea, marine animals, fish regulations; general provisions 

 370.101 Saltwater fish; regulations 



370.11 Fish; regulation 



370.113 Queen conchs of the species Stombus gigas ; regulation 



370.12 Marine Animals 



370.13 Stone crabs 



370.14 Crawfish 



370.17 Sponges; regulation 



370.172 Spearfishing definition; limitations Penalty 



Spearfishing is prohibited within the boundaries of John Pennekamp 

 Coral Reef State Park, and the salt waters in Monroe County known 

 as the Upper Keys from the Dade/Monroe County line to and including 

 Long Key. The DNR also has the power to establish restricted areas 

 when safety hazards exist or when needs are determined by biological 

 findings. 



370.072 State Endangered and threatened species 



Threatened and endangered species and their habitat, Monroe County, 

 from inventory of rare & endangered biota of Florida, Florida Audubon 

 & Florida Defenders of the Environment. 



D-4 



