Florida expands lionfish ban to include breeding

(AP)   After banning imports of lionfish into the state, Florida wildlife officials are moving to ban the breeding of the eye-catching fish as well.

Lionfish are an invasive species in Atlantic waters, and experts say they are voracious predators that are menacing native wildlife.

A ban on importing live lionfish into Florida took effect August 1. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted Wednesday at a meeting in Kissimmee to also prohibit the intentional breeding of lionfish in captivity. Exceptions will be made for research on lionfish population control.

The change will take effect by December 1.

The commission's executive director says efforts to prevent lionfish from entering Florida waters helps native wildlife. The state also encourages divers and anglers to remove lionfish whenever they can.