The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) recently released new smart device app for reporting invasive lionfish in Florida. The agency unveiled the new Report Florida Lionfish app in May. The lionfish is an invasive species that is negatively impacting Florida’s reefs and wildlife.
The Report Florida Lionfish app includes educational information on lionfish and safe handling guidelines, as well as an easy-to-use data-reporting form so divers and anglers can share information about their sighting or harvest with the FWC.
App users also can take and share a photo of their catch. These photos may be used in future publications or social media efforts. All data will be available to the public and shared with other groups and agencies who collect this kind of information. Reports can also be submitted online at myfwc.com/Fishing.
The first 250 people who successfully complete the Report Florida Lionfish app reporting form will also receive a free, interactive and newly redesigned "Lionfish Control Team" T-shirt.
For more information about invasive lionfish in Florida, visit www.myfwc.com.
source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Showing posts with label lionfish. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lionfish. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Monday, August 9, 2010
Nations Encourage Lionfish Tournaments
Lionfish are native to the western and central Pacific Ocean, but are considered to be an invasive species in the Atlantic Ocean where populations have been established from North Carolina to South America.
They were likely first released in Florida waters in the mid-1980s. Since then, the species has spread rapidly. Scientists and public officials are seriously concerned at the effect lionfish are having on reef ecosystems, since this predator is capable of rapid population growth and outcompeting native fish for food and territory.
“This study offers us the first target for fishing and other local control efforts such as lionfish derbies,” says Lad Akins, director of operations for the Reef Environmental and Education Foundation, an organization of divers and marine enthusiasts who are working to combat the lionfish problem.
The effort to fish down the species has already begun. Caribbean nations such as the Turks and Caicos Islands are encouraging widespread fishing for lionfish by instituting year-long tournaments with cash prizes for the most lionfish caught.
They were likely first released in Florida waters in the mid-1980s. Since then, the species has spread rapidly. Scientists and public officials are seriously concerned at the effect lionfish are having on reef ecosystems, since this predator is capable of rapid population growth and outcompeting native fish for food and territory.
“This study offers us the first target for fishing and other local control efforts such as lionfish derbies,” says Lad Akins, director of operations for the Reef Environmental and Education Foundation, an organization of divers and marine enthusiasts who are working to combat the lionfish problem.
The effort to fish down the species has already begun. Caribbean nations such as the Turks and Caicos Islands are encouraging widespread fishing for lionfish by instituting year-long tournaments with cash prizes for the most lionfish caught.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)