I think this thread began by addressing the practice of illegally spearfishing for sport while on scuba, not the practice of spearing the invasive lionfish.
While the park guardians may turn a blind eye, or even encourage the taking of lionfish with a Hawaiian sling, spearfishing while using scuba equipment or pneumatic spear guns is against the law in Mexico.
You CAN spearfish legally in Mexico, just not on scuba.
Dear Ric,
I take no issue with you on the big spear fishing for other specie while on Scuba. I just don't want everyone's panties to get in a wad because we use slings to control the lion fish.
Dave Dillehay
Aldora Divers
Dave,
I don't know about a draw. It is illegal, but I agree it is treated more like a guideline. I was invited to go on the Parque boat on a lionfish spearing dive. Of course though it is illegal. *wink* *wink* *nudge* *nudge* *say na more....*
And BRT, I *think* he was clear with his clarification that he was talking sport. You seemed to doubt the illegality in general because of the very short nature of your post. I assumed that would result in the a quote of applicable laws, which it did.
And for that matter, do you suppose all the fisherman that do go spearing on scuba for commercial purposes are actually possessing commercial permits to do that? I would wonder.