August 7, 2025 — Florida’s Space Coast is closing in on 70 launches this year, with more than 100 expected by year’s end. But what’s a boom for the space industry is creating new concerns for commercial fishermen.
Bob Zales, the Executive Director of the Southeastern Fisheries Association told us, the Coast Guard issues a restriction on navigation for the area where the launch is going to take place. He added, “ generally that restricted area comes into play several hours before the launch is scheduled.”
Those restricted zones impact everyone on the water — from cruise ships to charter boats. Capt. Joey Spoerle with Canaveral Kings Sport Fishing Charters said, “When there’s 15, 20, 25 launches a year, not a big deal.