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Invasive Species Spearfishing & Science Discuss invasive exotic species such as lionfish, carp, snakehead, etc. including news, spearfishing and scientific research in any geographical region.

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Old 05-01-2015, 07:42 AM   #1
Stone
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Latest Chance to Kill Lionfish (and get a REAL Reward)

Over the past couple of years, I have occasionally directed Spearboard members to events or polls that are designed to do "SOMETHING" about the lionfish. My wife has spoken before the FWC and the Florida Senate appropriations Committee. These efforts actually work. The legislature has been very supportive and helped get the FWC to pass the "no bag limit" and no license" rulings. Did you know that through my wife's efforts the appropriations committee added $500,000 to the artificial reef fund and probably would have continued to fund artificial reefs at the higher level if the FWC would have just asked?

Here's another online letter. The letter supports a plan to run a pilot program to award fish tags (2 for red snapper, 2 for greater amberjack, 2 for gag, 2 for red grouper, and 2 for grey triggerfish) which can be earned for every 100 lionfish heads turned in (you get to keep your lionfish fillets). The tags can be used in or out of species season or to go no more than two fish (per species) over quota during season (per day). See the plan details at the link below and please sign the letter of support (hit the blue button to sign):

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/...n-methods.html

Here is a brochure that also outlines the plan:
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Old 05-01-2015, 08:43 AM   #2
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Re: Latest Chance to Kill Lionfish (and get a REAL Reward)

done
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Old 05-01-2015, 01:14 PM   #3
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Re: Latest Chance to Kill Lionfish (and get a REAL Reward)

Hi Stone,
You, Candy and I have talked at some of the lionfish meetings. This year we tried to get the same reward concept incorporated in Senate bill 680 but the sponsor would not allow an amendment to be added. 680 is the same bill that is eliminating all RS license reporting requirements from the state laws. This bill and it's companion house bill are now fully thru the legislative branch and ready for the Governor's signature which his staff has indicated to us he'll sign. We'll try again next year and see if the reward concept can be put through again.
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Old 05-01-2015, 02:05 PM   #4
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Re: Latest Chance to Kill Lionfish (and get a REAL Reward)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Johnoly View Post
Hi Stone,
You, Candy and I have talked at some of the lionfish meetings. This year we tried to get the same reward concept incorporated in Senate bill 680 but the sponsor would not allow an amendment to be added. 680 is the same bill that is eliminating all RS license reporting requirements from the state laws. This bill and it's companion house bill are now fully thru the legislative branch and ready for the Governor's signature which his staff has indicated to us he'll sign. We'll try again next year and see if the reward concept can be put through again.
Roger that.

The current action is a pilot program which does not require legislative action. We are asking for the program to be implemented by FWC executive action (like removal of the bag limit and license requirement). Public support will make a great difference in getting action taken against the lionfish now instead of later. We really appreciate your support!
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Old 05-01-2015, 02:18 PM   #5
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Re: Latest Chance to Kill Lionfish (and get a REAL Reward)

By the way:

Discovery Dive world is hosting a lionfish derby on Saturday, 16 May.

The Emerald Coast Reef Association (ECRA) is a major contributor and sponsor of the "Senator Don Gaetz Champion of the Fishery Award". Sen Gaetz is scheduled to present the award at the closing ceremony.

See the link below for more details:

http://www.discoverydiveworld.com/
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Old 05-01-2015, 03:42 PM   #6
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Re: Latest Chance to Kill Lionfish (and get a REAL Reward)

done
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Old 05-01-2015, 09:08 PM   #7
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Re: Latest Chance to Kill Lionfish (and get a REAL Reward)

Done. Great idea!
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Old 05-02-2015, 07:34 AM   #8
Stone
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Re: Latest Chance to Kill Lionfish (and get a REAL Reward)

Another "By the way" - The Sen Gaetz Award is $1000. See pictures below:
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