Starting April 1, harvest of tropical aquarium species prohibited at Blue Heron Bridge dive site

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission sent this bulletin at 03/27/2019 11:01 AM EDT

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

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March 27, 2019

Suggested Tweet: Harvest of tropical aquarium species prohibited at the #BlueHeronBridge #dive site; effective April 1: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLFFWCC/bulletins/239df19 #Florida

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Starting April 1, harvest of tropical aquarium species prohibited at Blue Heron Bridge dive site

In an effort to maintain high-quality snorkeling and diving opportunities at the Blue Heron Bridge/Phil Foster County Park in Palm Beach County, the following change will go into effect April 1:

  • Collection and possession of marine life fishery species (species collected for and managed for the tropical aquarium trade) is prohibited within the park and surrounding waters (prohibitions will not apply to other fishing activities, such as hook-and-line fishing or lobstering).

Direct transit of marine life species legally harvested outside the closed area through the closed area is permitted by motorized vessel so long as the vessel does not stop. Species collected outside the closed area may also be landed by motorized vessel at the park boat ramp and docks. 

The Blue Heron Bridge area was named one of the 50 best dive sites in the world by PADI Sport Diver magazine and referred to as Florida’s “best shore dive” by SCUBA Diving Magazine. 

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Underwater photos courtesy of Walt Stearns.