Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, FWC

April, 2014 Commission Meeting

This meeting is open to the public

8:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 16, there will be a presentation on the subject of LIonfsh

Lionfish – Lionfish are invasive marine species that pose a threat to native  marine species and ecosystems.  Three draft rules will be proposed to prevent further lionfish introductions and facilitate efforts to remove these non-native predators.  Harvest by divers using either spearing gear or hand held nets is currently the primary means of lionfish population control. Persons diving by means of a rebreather are currently prohibited from harvesting any marine species in state waters.  A proposed draft rule would create an exception to allow persons using rebreathers to harvest lionfish.  In addition, there are several places in state waters that are closed to all spearfishing.  In the past the Executive Director, in consultation with the Chairman, has issued Executive Orders to allowparticipants in organized, approved events to use spearing gears to remove lionfish from some of these locations.  A proposed draft rule would allow the FWC Executive Director or his designee to issue permits to these types of tournaments or other approved events for the use of spearing gears (in areas where spearfishing is otherwise prohibited) to remove lionfish or other non-native invasive species, instead of having to issue an Executive Order.  Control efforts are also hampered by the possible continued introduction of additional individuals or species.  The third proposed draft rule would prohibit any further importation of live lionfish or the development of lionfish aquaculture in Florida. Presentaion

Must read: Draft Rule

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