In response to the clamor over a spike in exports of wild-caught Florida soft shell turtles, sent to the Asian markets for consumption, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has enacted new regulations limiting both the commercial and recreational take of soft shells from wild Florida fresh water. The new rules restrict recreational anglers to keeping 5 soft shell turtles per day, and commercial harvesters to 20 turtles per day.

Additionally, soft shells and their eggs may not be taken from the wild from May 1 to July 31. The rules were passed to protect the freshwater turtles while the FWC develops a long-term plan for sustainable management of the variety of species of turtles in our waters. Complete regulations can be viewed at http://myfwc.com.

While no one contends that stocks of soft shells are threatened in Florida, and while the great percentage of turtles exported from Florida come from farms, the new regulations should ensure that wild stocks remain healthy while studies ascertain proper management strategies.