United States of America · Spearfishing zone
The Edges seasonal closed area (Gulf of Mexico, off Florida)
What this zone is
Overview
How spearfishing is treated at The Edges seasonal closed area (Gulf of Mexico, off Florida).
A federal SEASONAL closure in the Gulf of Mexico EEZ between Steamboat Lumps and the Madison-Swanson area. Under 50 CFR 622.34(a)(3), from January through April each year "all fishing is prohibited" in the Edges and no fish species may be possessed except aboard a vessel in transit with gear stowed. Spearfishing is banned here for those four months only; outside January-April the area is open under the normal Gulf reef-fish rules. These are offshore federal waters, well beyond ordinary recreational diving depth.
On the coast
Location
Approximate reference point for this zone. See the full picture on the interactive map.
28.5417°N, 84.9833°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
