In which year did the DNR's responsibility for permitting exclude the use of herbivorous fish?

The year in which the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in Florida excluded the responsibility for permitting the use of herbivorous fish is 1980. This decision marked a significant shift in the management of aquatic ecosystems, particularly in how invasive plant species are controlled. The exclusion allowed for more flexibility in using these fish as a biological control method without the strict permitting process previously required. This change aimed to streamline the management of aquatic environments, especially in response to the growing concerns over invasive aquatic vegetation.

In the years prior to 1980, permitting processes were more cumbersome, and the use of herbivorous fish required more oversight due to potential ecological impacts. The decision in 1980 acknowledged the effectiveness of herbivorous fish in controlling certain aquatic plants while allowing for more responsive management strategies in Florida's waterways.