**Skin and Scuba Diving at\
Gulf Islands National Seashore**

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The National Park Service recognizes that skin and scuba diving are very
popular activities, however, these activities may be limited in certain
areas at certain times by the Park Superintendent. National Seashore
jurisdiction includes submerged lands extending outward one mile or to
the edge of the shipping channel. Because of dangers inherent to
visitors and because of possible adverse effects to natural, historic
and scientific features, the following guidelines will be enforced.

1.  Scuba divers are required to have evidence for qualification of
    diving ability, such as a nationally recognized certification card
    or the assurance of a supervising instructor. It may be necessary to
    present this information to a law enforcement officer. Divers can be
    refused permission to dive by a law enforcement officer if in their
    judgment conditions are unsafe, or if equipment or individual
    abilities are questionable. Businesses are required to purchase a
    permit for training classes within park waters.

2.  Use the \"buddy system\" and \"diver down\" flag when in the water.
    Each diver will carry a knife as monofilament line is often found in
    the area and can be a hazard.

3.  It is recommended that tanks have a see view pressure gauge.
    Backpacks and weight belts will have a quick release device and
    weight belts will be worn on the outside of other equipment.

4.  Any dive injuries or illness must be reported to the Seashore
    immediately. Keep physically fit and do not dive when tired or ill.
    **Plan your dive, dive your plan**.

5.  Salvage activities are not allowed without the written permission of
    the Superintendent.

6.  It is your responsibility to know existing Florida minimum legal
    sizes, limits, harvesting methods and seasons on crab and fish.

7.  No spear fishing is permitted from 200 feet east of the Fort Pickens
    fishing pier, to 300 feet west of the last rock jetty in Pensacola
    Pass. Spear fishing is prohibited in the Perdido Key jetties and in
    the vicinity of swimming beaches. Explosive or power heads are
    prohibited.

8.  No diving or swimming is permitted within 100 feet of the Fort
    Pickens fishing pier.

9.  Harassment of marine mammals, sea turtles, and manta rays is
    unlawful. Respect all creatures you encounter.

**Local Diving**

Barrier Islands are the predominant coastal form within the Florida Unit
of the Gulf Islands Nation Seashore. The Southside of Santa Rosa Island
has sandy bottoms exposed to tidal changes and surf action. Many marine
creatures swim or drift through the waters or live on or within the
bottom sands. Most divers find these areas to be a \"barren desert.\" On
the bay side of the island are shallow areas of scattered marine grass
in which the snorkel can find pinfish, pipefish, seahorses and other
interesting species. Some popular sites are:

-   The jetties at the northwest corner of Fort Pickens seawall. Depths
    can drop to 50 feet, and currents can be treacherous.

-   The 1906 wreck of the tugboat Sport, 0.9 miles east of the Fort
    Pickens Ranger Station on the bayside.

-   The *USS Massachusetts* is a 550 feet battleship sunk by the
    military in the 1920's 1.5 miles outside Pensacola Pass.

**Emergency Medical Aid**

Emergencies 911

National Park Service Dispatch (report all injuries) (850) 916-3010

DAN (Diving Accident Network) (919) 694-8111

**Spear Fishing**

Spearing is defined as \"the catching of a fish by bow hunting, gigging,
spear fishing, or any device used to capture a fish by piercing its
body\". The use of powerheads, bangsticks, and rebreathers remains
prohibited. The following is a list of species which are prohibited for
harvest by spearing.

  ------------------- ------------------ --------------- -----------------
  Billfish (all       African pompano    Weakfish        Snook
  species                                                

  Bonefish            Sturgeon           Tripletail      Spotted Sea Trout

  Nassau grouper      Jewfish            Sharks          Tarpon

  Pompano             Red drum           Blue crab       Manta ray

  Spotted Eagle Ray   Permit             Stone crab      Lobster

  Families of                                            
  ornamental reef                                        
  fish (surgeonfish,                                     
  trumpetfish,                                           
  angelfish,                                             
  butterflyfish,                                         
  porcupinefish,                                         
  cornetfish,                                            
  squirrelfish,                                          
  trunkfish,                                             
  damselfish,                                            
  parrotfish,                                            
  pipefish, seahorse,                                    
  puffers).                                              
  ------------------- ------------------ --------------- -----------------

Any other species not listed which are managed by the Florida Fish and
Wildlife Conservation Commission, and those not managed by the
Commission are allowed to be harvested by spearing.

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