Tilapia

Researchers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) worked with a commercial haul seine effort targeting invasive tilapia and other nonnative fish to better understand and manage their populations. The commercial tilapia haul seine fishing season ran from February through June 2025. Seven lakes in Brevard County were included in the fishery including Sawgrass, Hell’n Blazes, Washington, Winder, Poinsett, Cone, Florence, Salt, and Loughman. At Lake Sawgrass, crews completed five fishing events between April and June. Biologists from FWC and the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) observed these events and sampled the catch to track what species were collected. Crews used large haul seines that measured 1,000 feet long and 19 feet deep, with 3-inch mesh, and each set covered about 30–50 acres.

Fishermen kept and sold tilapia and Brown Hoplo. They were also required to keep and properly dispose of Vermiculated Sailfin Catfish, while releasing non-target species alive. During this period:

• Fishermen caught 41,358 pounds of tilapia, worth $28,032
• They removed 3,530 pounds of Vermiculated Sailfin Catfish, which cost $62 to dispose of
• At Lake Sawgrass, tilapia and exotic catfish made up 74% of the catch, while gamefish made up 14%

These efforts also provided a water quality benefit. SJRWMD estimates that the harvest removed about 380 pounds of phosphorus directly from the system. This project shows how targeted harvest can support both fisheries and conservation by reducing invasive species and improving ecosystem health.