United States of America · Spearfishing zone
Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary — Sonnier Bank (Gulf of Mexico)
What this zone is
Overview
How spearfishing is treated at Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary — Sonnier Bank (Gulf of Mexico).
Spearfishing is prohibited on Sonnier Bank, a shallow pinnacle bank added to the sanctuary by the January 2021 expansion rule (86 FR 4953). Inside Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary 15 CFR 922.122(a)(8) allows fish to be taken only "by use of conventional hook and line gear", and 922.122(a)(10) prohibits possessing or using any other fishing gear in the Sanctuary except while possessing it "while passing without interruption through it". Spearguns, pole spears and Hawaiian slings are therefore illegal to use here, and may only be carried through the Sanctuary in uninterrupted transit.
On the coast
Location
Approximate reference point for this zone. See the full picture on the interactive map.
28.3407°N, 92.4596°W
View on the mapSource
This zone is documented in the official source below.
Before you dive
License for United States of America
Whether you need a license to spearfish here, and how to get one.
Purchase from the relevant state fish and wildlife agency online portal, license vendors, or in person. Requirements differ by state and by resident/non-resident status.
Get your licenseOpens the official portal · fisheries.noaa.gov
