KEY WEST, Fla. – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission arrested a man from Miami Gardens who it said was illegally diving for lobsters near the South Pine Channel bridge in the Keys.
Carlos Magraner, 25, is facing multiple misdemeanor charges for allegedly capturing 23 lobsters on Monday.
Investigators said Magraner was diving along rocks with a pole spear when officers questioned him about whether he had an fish or lobster. Officers said Magraner told them he was spearfishing and did not have any lobster or fish on him.
One officer spotted a towel hidden in the rocks along the water's edge and asked who it belonged to. He said Magraner told him it belonged to him. When the officer lifted the towel he discovered 23 lobsters, 21 of which were undersized and five that were speared.
Officers said another man who was diving with Magraner admitted that the lobsters belonged to them.
Both men were taken to the Key West Jail.
Magraner was also issued citations for having no fishing license, no lobster permit and no divers down flag.