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Florida is the first state to ban the importation of live lionfish, an invasive species that has had a huge negative impact on the Western Hemisphere’s ocean ecosystems.
Along with the ban, several other new laws will go into effect Aug. 1, 2014, including allowing divers to spear lionfish while diving on a rebreather. Currently, Florida laws prohibit divers from spearing any fish while using a rebreather.
In addition, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission — the organization behind the ban — will permit participants of approved tournaments and other organized events to spear lionfish within marine protected parks and refuges that normally do not allow spearfishing.
State officials are hopeful that the ban will keep new lionfish from entering the state and will encourage people interested in having one in their aquarium to catch one from Florida waters.
