Collecting in the Keys

[dback]

Well my family and I are going down to the eys over spring break. We will be staying on Key largo and Islambora. I was hoping to do some collecting but need some info. From what I have gathered you cancollect gorgonians w/ upto 1 in of rock on the base with a total of six. Is that right? I also believe that you can collect zoo's and ricordias if you dont take them on the rock. Am I correct on thatoone? And them snails an hermits you can colect 20 max per day. I know no LR. But LS is o right. All of this i from outside designated preserves. I was wondering what any restrictions on macroalae were. I believe all you need to collect is a SW fishing liense for FLorida. Does anyone know if you need one if you are under 16. I know here in Wis. that if you ae under 16 you dont need a license. Ohh and can anyone posts any pics of some photosynthetic gorgs in te area so i know what to keep my eyes open for. TIA Kevin:)

[billsreef]

Here's (http://archive.reefcentral.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?s=&threadid=128263) a link to a thread on Florida collecting laws that you should find usefull.

[badu11]

Here is a link to the Recreational Saltwater Fishing Regulations which highlights bag limits towards the bottom of the document. If you backtrack on this link their should be info on age limit for requiring license.

http://marinefisheries.org/Regulations/1-03englishregulationschart.pdf

You will need pdf viewer to open it. Also be careful in Islamorada on reef collecting since a lot of the reefs in that area are protected from ANY collection. Most charts designate which reefs are protected. If you rent a boat you can get to the reefs that are not protected. Boat rental is about $115 for half-day in Islamorada. You can check with the dive shops to see if they will go to an unprotected reef but I do not know how they feel on collecting impact.