FWC wants to make it easier to catch lionfish

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is taking steps to make it easier to catch lionfish in Florida waters.

Lionfish are an invasive species – they are native to the Indian and Pacific oceans but are showing up in greater numbers in Florida waters.

Lionfish are voracious eaters and its feared that they could damage native recreational and commercial fish populations.

In order to help combat the species the FWC is planning to waive the commercial and recreational bag limit for the species.

Divers will also not need a recreational license to harvest lionfish using certain gear including a pole spear, a Hawaiian sling, a handheld net or any spearing device that is specifically designed and marketed exclusively for lionfish.

The rules are already in place on a temporary basis but will expire August the 3^rd unless the FWC votes to make them permanent.
The FWC plans to take that step when it meets in Lakeland in June.


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