Florida’s Largemouth Bass Officially Renamed to “Florida Bass”
Introduction
Big news for fishing enthusiasts! Florida’s most popular freshwater game fish, the largemouth bass, is getting a new name. It will now be known as the “Florida bass.” Although this name change might seem trivial, it is rooted in strong scientific evidence to support the classification of species, which plays a significant role in conserving them. This blog post delves into the reasons behind the name change, its implications, and what it means for the future of Florida bass fishing.
What Prompted the Name Change?
After recent genetic analyses conducted by Yale University researchers, it was determined that the Florida bass is a separate species than the largemouth bass. The researchers found that the scientific names previously used to describe largemouth and Florida bass had been incorrectly applied for more than 75 years. The American Fisheries Society also considers the Florida bass as distinct from the largemouth bass. As a result, the scientific nomenclature previously used to describe largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, will now be used for the Florida bass species, and largemouth bass will be considered Micropterus nigricans. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has taken note of this distinction and has decided to reflect this in their regulatory practices.
What Are the Implications of the Name Change?
For anglers, the name change is purely linguistic. However, it is an important step towards preserving fish populations in Florida. By accurately classifying the two species, the FWC can better manage and conserve these iconic fish for current and future generations. The FWC affirms that there is no need for anglers to distinguish between the two species for regulatory purposes. The regulations will remain the same for both species. Nevertheless, state experts will now refer to Florida bass in regulations and other messaging. Also, excluding Florida’s western Panhandle, largemouth bass will now be referred to as Florida bass in booklets, signage, and news releases.
Florida Bass Range
The Yale University researchers’ study did more than clarify the naming of the two species; it also determined that Florida bass are more widely distributed than previously assumed. The Florida bass range does not just cover Florida but stretches through Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. This discovery is crucial for managing and conserving the Florida bass population effectively.
Distinguishing Between Largemouth and Florida Bass
An angler cannot differentiate between a Florida bass and a largemouth bass visually. Both species look alike and indistinguishable to the naked eye. The only viable way to tell the difference is through genetic testing, according to the state biologists.
Implications for Florida’s Fishing Industry
Florida has a thriving fishing industry, and the importance of classifying fish species cannot be understated. The recent name change is a massive step towards conserving and sustainably using Florida bass for future generations. Florida’s legislature named the largemouth bass as the official state freshwater fish in 1975. The state record for catching the largest fish stands at more than 17 pounds, and smaller fish are a prized catch for fishing enthusiasts across Florida’s rivers and lakes.
Conclusion
The renaming of the famous largemouth bass to the Florida bass is an important step in preserving fish populations in Florida accurately. Based on scientific analysis, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s decision to make this change will go a long way in ensuring the sustainable use of these iconic fish for generations to come. Bass fishing enthusiasts can now look forward to catching the Florida bass in the state’s rivers and lakes.
Originally Post From https://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2024/07/17/largemouth-bass-florida-name-change/
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