As part of its relentless battle against lionfish, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission acted today to prohibit lionfish aquaculture.

The new rules prohibit the harvest and possession of lionfish eggs and larvae for any purpose other than destruction, and the intentional breeding of lionfish in captivity. A scientific research exception will allow permitted research institutions to breed and cultivate lionfish for the purposes of researching population control and impact mitigation. The new rules go into effect on Dec. 1.

Lionfish are an invasive species that threaten Florida’s saltwater fish and wildlife.

“Every lionfish prevented from entering Florida waters, and every change that encourages removal is a step toward successfully limiting the negative impacts lionfish have on native fish and wildlife,” said FWC Executive Director Nick Wiley.

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