acquisition of corals?

Captain Nemo

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So i am planning a trip to the keys in a little while and am wondering if it is illeagle to procure stuff from the gulf?? I am 99% sure it is but wanted opnions......
 
There is a daily permit for purchase I believe. And only coral can be harvested, it cannot have any Rock attached to it
 
I do not know the details, but I remember reading a different thread about it where it seemed there were a lot of rules and restrictions but that in the right circumstances and in the right spot a variety of soft corals could be taken (without rock attached). Hopefully someone else chimes in with more, but to be honest I would personally want to make sure (find rules and restrictions on a florida govt website if can find it?) before I risked it anyay.
 
I read over what it says and it appears to apply to fish, which I dont need. I am more interested in Corals......
 
In the state of Florida there are specific rules governing the commercial, nonlethal harvest of marine life. Throughout the state of Florida the collection of stony corals, fire corals, and the octocorals Gorgonia flabellum and G. ventalina (common sea-fans) is prohibited. The collection of black corals and other octocoral species is restricted. The harvest of live-rock, substrate with living organisms attached, is illegal unless harvested at a licensed aquaculture area. Additionally, any harvest of the long-spined sea urchin, Diadema antillarum, is prohibited.

So I am guessing by reading this that it is limited to soft corals only?
 
Do they have zoa's in the keys? Anyone know? If so since they are soft, could I get some of them?
 
You can collect softies with a valid fishing license. No rock attached, and there is a limit.
 
ok. Thanks! So all I need is a valid weekend saltwater liscence and I can get softies? Does anyone know if there are zoa's in the keys area?
 
Yes, there are zoas and palys in the Keys, but many areas are protected and you can collect there. They are also hard to find.
 
be sure to read the link that fsudolphin posted...it shows the link to the FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) and, among other very important information, it says that you can only take 5 polyps per day!
 
can you post the link to that part, I didnt see that one, just the one about stonys and only softies being able to be harvested.
 
Yeah most people keep the legal collection honey spots a secret.....
sending PM

LOL! I only collect pics and memories while diving, and sometimes dinner. I've found some huge cool blue palys and some metallic green ones with pinkish skirts. Not too long ago, I saw some pics of mats of PPE palys from somewhere not too far from Miami Beach.

And please, follow all the rules. The local FWC take their jobs very seriously, and work hard to keep our reefs in the best shape they can. It is scary to think what might happen if there was no regulation.
 
Collection of any coral, with a skeleton, LPS/SPS, is prohibited, from the Atlantic Ocean. In certain areas, of Florida, you can collect soft corals, including Ricordea and Zoanthids, with the proper permits and with no or very little rock attached. In some areas, it's simply a Marine Fishing License. There are daily limits. It's also very important to have a detailed map, showing the regulations for different areas. Around the Keys, there are many reserves, where collection is prohibited. For instance, in one particular bay, it may be allowed, while in adjoining bays, it's prohibited.
 

IF YOU HAD TO TAKE A REEFING EXAM, WOULD YOU PASS?

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