State wildlife officials are considering tighter restrictions for harvests of sea cucumbers.
The marine invertebrates are common in the waters off the Florida Keys. They're a delicacy in Asia, and as that market grows, officials say tighter harvest limits may be needed.
Currently there is no limit on sea cucumber harvests for commercial fishermen. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will vote Wednesday on a proposal to limit the daily commercial harvest of sea cucumbers to 200 per vessel per day.
The owner of Florida Sea Cucumber Corp. on Ramrod Key tells The Key West Citizen that a daily limit of 200 would barely cover fishermen's fuel bills and other costs. Erik Lee says the limit should be in the 500 to 800 range.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
