(WWSB) -- Widely known for being a delicacy at dinner and a detriment in their habitat, the Prerois - a.k.a lionfish - is not welcomed in the Florida waters.
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation (FWC) encourages residents to "help remove nonnative lionfish to limit negative impacts to native fish and wildlife."
The Indo-Pacific-native fish, which has few identified predators, can be found near reefs and coral in marine habitat types up to 1,000 feet deep. They aggressively prey on small fish and invertebrates and directly affect food web relationships.
FWC tweeted a link to the section of their homepage explaining how to combat the venomous and invasive fish, which overpopulate reef areas and force other fish out.
A recreational fishing license is not required for fishers targeting lionfish while using a pole spear, a Hawaiian Sling, a handled net or any spearing device that is specifically designed for lionfish. A recreational license is, however, required for all other methods of harvesting the fish including hook and line.
A permit is needed to harvest lionfish in the no-take zones of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Permits are issued by the Sanctuary following training given by the Sanctuary and the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF).
The FWC also issues permits to tournaments, derbies and other organized events that allows lionfish and other invasive species to be removed by spearfishing in areas where spearing is not allowed.
According to FWC's webpage, the average size of lionfish is 12 to 15 inches, though they've been found as big as 18.5 inches and as small as 1.1 inches in non-native ranges.
Safe handling is important.
Lionfish have up to 18 venomous spines on their dorsal, pelvic and anal fins that can cause painful stings. Such stings can cause swelling, blistering, dizziness, necrosis and even temporary paralysis, per FWC. If stung, they suggest immersing the wound in hot water for 30 to 90 minutes, as well as seeking medical attention if necessary.
The most effective methods of removal are spearing and hand-held nets. Lionfish are hard to catch on hook-and-line and the practice of feeding it to other predators is futile and, not to mention, dangerous.
For more tips and information on gear requirements, cleaning and interested whole sale dealers, and general background about the lionfish, click here.
