LionFish

[Rare]

The all mighty lionfish in Florida no more

For immediate release: April 16, 2014
Contact: Amanda Nalley, 850-410-4943

Suggested Tweet: #Lionfish invasion: @MyFWC moves forward with management changes [[VIEW THIS URL]] #Florida

Photos available on FWC Flickr site: Go to https://flic.kr/s/aHsjBiA5CJ.

Lionfish invasion: FWC moves forward with management changes

The lionfish is an invasive species that threatens Florida’s native wildlife and habitat. With that in mind, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) on April 16 moved forward with steps to combat the spread of invasive lionfish.

Changes proposed by FWC staff at today’s meeting near Tallahassee will be brought back before the Commission at its June meeting in Fort Myers for final approval. Changes include:

Prohibiting the importation of live lionfish;
Prohibiting the development of aquaculture of lionfish;
Allowing the harvest of lionfish when diving with a rebreather, a device that recycles air and allows divers to remain in the water for longer periods of time; and
Increasing opportunities that will allow participants in approved tournaments and other organized events to spear lionfish or other invasive species in areas where spearfishing is not allowed. This will be done through a permitting system.
Staff has been working with the Florida Legislature on a bill in support of the initiatives to prohibit the importation of live lionfish and the aquaculture of lionfish.

“By targeting the importation of lionfish to our state, we can limit the number of new lionfish that find their way into Florida waters and, at the same time, encourage further harvest to reduce the existing invasive population,” said State Rep. Holly Raschein, sponsor of the House bill. “These fish pose a significant threat to Florida’s ecosystem, and I am proud to stand in support of the proposed ban. Anything we can do to limit new lionfish introductions and further facilitate the development of a commercial market for this invasive species is a step in the right direction.”

Changes like these will make it easier for divers to remove lionfish from Florida waters and will help prevent additional introductions of lionfish into marine habitats.

Lionfish control efforts, from outreach and education to regulatory changes, have been a priority for FWC staff. In 2013, they hosted the first ever Lionfish Summit, which brought together various stakeholders from the public as well as management and research fields to discuss the issues and brainstorm solutions. The changes proposed at today’s meeting came from ideas that were discussed at the Lionfish Summit.

To learn more about these changes, visit MyFWC.com/Commission and “Commission Meetings.” To learn more about lionfish, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing and click on “Saltwater,” “Recreational Regulations” and “Lionfish.”

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AN/JL/MR/MFM
WBD/SCB

 

[Huro]

I wonder if NC will be following suit

 

[Swicicki]

This is silly there are so many in the ocean and most of the LFS down here buy them for $5 from divers

They are established from the Carolina's thru Brazil

They ain't going no where

 

[10gal_nano]

This isn't true. I live in Florida. They're still here.

 

[Gregcoyote]

They are wiping out native fish populations with no known predators except man. This has become a serious matter that our hobby is blamed for. Rightly so IMO. When you dive a reef they have preyed on, there is nothing left but lion fish. Maybe a big moray or two.

 

[Rare]

This isn't true. I live in Florida. They're still here.

What isnt true?

 

[10gal_nano]

What isnt true?

They are still here. You said they are gone

 

[Mebbid]

Too little too late. They need better control measures which are probably close to impossible already. Seems like they will eventually starve themselves out.

 

[10gal_nano]

They apparently taste good though

 

[Rare]

They are still here. You said they are gone

This has to pass through first if you read you will see that they have to vote on it.

Changes proposed by FWC staff at today’s meeting near Tallahassee will be brought back before the Commission at its June meeting in Fort Myers for final approval. Changes include:

 

[Rare]

Too little too late. They need better control measures which are probably close to impossible already. Seems like they will eventually starve themselves out.

What are the control measure that should have taken place? In the keys..ive caught them, on boat, bridge fishing etc. & they do taste good as one of our friends do eat them. I know that some mutton snappers do eat them....but thats not going to put a dent in their number. At least the annually lionfish derby that they do here helps some.


1,408 lionfish removed in 2009
1,578 lionfish removed in 2010
3,542 lionfish removed in 2011
2,694 lionfish removed in 2012
2,790 lionfish removed in 2013
12,012 lionfish removed in all REEF Derbies

 

[Gregcoyote]

I think that's the only way to reduce their numbers, is for man to prey on them.

 

[Rare]

I think that's the only way to reduce their numbers, is for man to prey on them.

It has started just need more...

Click on the linkIs Lionfish on the Menu? Restaurants Serving Lionfish When Available : The World Lionfish Hunters Association

Restaurants Serving Lionfish

Florida

The Square Grouper Bar & Grill (Cudjoe Key)
KrazyFish: Thai, Sushi & More (Ft Pierce)
Chef Michael’s (Islaorada)
Lazy Days Restaurant (Islamorada)
Ziggy and Mad Dog”s (Islamorada)
Food Shack (Jupiter)
Key Largo Conch House (Key Largo)
Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen (Key Largo)
The Fish House Encore (Key Largo)
Castaway Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar (Marathon)
Fish Fish (Miami)

 

[Smoothmullet]

When I see them I remove them.