Cutler Bay Hosts Productive Summer Restoration Event and Reminds Residents About Blue Land Crab Harvesting Regulations
Cutler Bay, FL – June 17, 2024 – The Town of Cutler Bay is delighted to announce the success of the Summer Restoration Event held on Saturday, June 8, 2024. The event, organized in collaboration with the South Florida Water Management District and Livablecutler, brought together approximately 30 dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly throughout the day to restore the local habitat, revitalize the ecosystem, and promote biodiversity.
Participants planted native species and removed invasive plants. This joint effort highlights the community's commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability. The Town of Cutler Bay extends its heartfelt thanks to the South Florida Water Management District and Livablecutler for their support and collaboration.
As a reminder, it is currently crabbing season, and we have encountered issues with individuals trespassing on this South Florida Water Management District wetland and our 8.5-acre restoration site. This is extremely discouraging as it undermines the hard work of our volunteers and causes significant damage to the area.
Town Manager Rafael Casals remarked on the community spirit, stating, "It was very encouraging to see the community coming together to work at our restoration site despite the hot and humid day. Unfortunately, this past weekend, we've seen individuals enter those restoration areas to poach blue land crabs, which is illegal. This damages the good work done by our volunteers. The Town is committed to enforcing regulations through our Police and Code Compliance departments, and we will also provide information through social media and install message signs along Old Cutler Road to deter poachers."
Important Reminder About Blue Land Crab Harvesting:
After heavy rains, especially in May, Blue Land Crabs emerge from the Coastal Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay Habitat Restoration area next to 18445 Old Cutler Road. These crabs can be seen traveling along Old Cutler Road, between SW 184 Street to about SW 188 Street, and other nearby areas. However, it is illegal to collect Blue Land Crabs under the following conditions, even during open season:
- Prohibited Areas: It is illegal to attempt to collect Blue Land Crabs from the Coastal Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay Habitat Restoration area owned by the South Florida Water Management District, which is clearly posted. (Florida Administrative Code 40E-7537 (2))
- Roadways and Right-of-Ways: It is illegal to collect Blue Land Crabs from any State or County maintained roadway or the right-of-way (the swale portion next to the road). (Florida Administrative Code 68B-54.005 (2))
Collecting Blue Land Crabs poses safety risks near roadways, causes unnecessary traffic obstruction, and destroys the habitat restoration area as harvesters trample over protected plant life. Those engaged in this activity can typically be identified by their harvesting equipment, such as plastic buckets, nets, poles, and flashlights used during evening hours.
Violators may face fines or arrest depending on the severity of their activities. The Town police are working with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to monitor the area for illegal Blue Land Crab harvesting. If you observe such activity, please contact the non-emergency number at 305-4-POLICE (305-476-5423) or the FWC at (305) 470-6863, Option 7. You can also report activity via their website at www.myfwc.com.
Download more pictures from the Restoration Site event here.
Download more information about Blue Land Crabs.
For more media inquiries, please email media@cutlerbay-fl.gov
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