FL S1668

Establishes the Florida Lionfish Education and Research Consortium comprising the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF), University of North Florida, University of South Florida, Nova Southeastern University, and the Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA).

Consortium shall implement lionfish control initiatives including sponsoring removal derbies, training divers and fishermen in safe removal techniques, developing a commercial harvest model, and partnering with regional countries to reduce lionfish population distribution.

Consortium shall conduct research to quantify economic and ecological impacts of invasive lionfish, develop elimination and control methodologies, determine removal priorities and effectiveness, and assess risks from other potential marine invasive species.

Consortium shall implement market development initiatives to promote lionfish as seafood, develop alternative product uses, identify and propose regulatory changes that discourage sales restrictions, and train food service professionals in lionfish handling and preparation.

Consortium shall submit annual reports by September 1 starting in 2017 to the Governor and Legislature detailing expenditures, actions taken, research conducted, collaboration results, and future efforts needed.