Source: Underwater Times
August 13, 2012

"CORAL GABLES, Florida -- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced changes to the lionfish harvest at a media event today in Coral Gables. Harvesting invasive lionfish no longer will require a fishing license when using certain gear, and there is no recreational or commercial bag limit.

The FWC is taking these actions to encourage more Floridians and visitors to harvest lionfish.

"The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission hopes that by increasing the opportunity for people to harvest invasive lionfish, we can limit the impact this nonnative invasive species has on Florida's marine fish and wildlife," said Jessica McCawley, director of the FWC's Division of Marine Fisheries Management. "We also want to express our gratitude to everyone, especially divers, who already go out on a regular basis to harvest lionfish.""

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