Lionfish Breeding Will Be Prohibited Starting Nov. 26
By Amanda Nalley, FWC // November 18, 2014
FWC encourages divers, anglers to remove lionfish
The breeding of lionfish will be prohibited starting Nov. 26 which is one of the many steps the state has taken recently to help control the lionfish population.
Lionfish are an invasive species that have a negative impact on native fish and habitat.
These changes were developed in coordination with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and include:
• Prohibiting the harvest and possession of lionfish eggs and larvae for any purpose other than destruction;
• Prohibiting the intentional breeding of lionfish in captivity.
A scientific-research exception will allow research institutions permitted by the FWC to breed and cultivate lionfish for the purposes of researching population control and impact mitigation.
Importation of live lionfish into Florida was prohibited August 1. The FWC encourages divers and anglers to remove lionfish whenever they can.
See or catch a lionfish? Report a sighting by downloading the new Report Florida Lionfish app on a smart device or by visiting MyFWC.com/Lionfish and clicking on Report Lionfish.
To learn more about lionfish, visit MyFWC.com/Lionfish.
