BRT, I'm not sure what you mean by "that is false." Article 92 of the reglamento de la ley de pesca (the federal fishing law) says "La práctica de la pesca deportivo-recreativa subacuática, únicamente se permitirá buceando a pulmón, con arpón de liga o resorte." ("the practice of recreational sport fishing underwater is only permitted while freediving, with a spear powered by bans or springs.")
SECTUR says: “Spearfishing is permitted only through free diving.”
CONPESCA says: “solo puede realizar pescar subacuática buceando a pulmón, con arpón de liga o resorte.” (you can only perform underwater fishing while free diving, with a spear powered by bands or springs)
The rules of the Parque Marino Nacional Arrecifes de Cozumel state:
Regla 40 (c). Se requerirá permiso por parte de la SEMARNAP para la realización de Pesca deportiva y comercial. (a permit from SEMARNAP is required to perform sport and commercial fishing.)
In regards to the taking of lionfish inside reserve boundaries, SAGARPA says: "En esta zona de refugio únicamente podrán realizarse actividades de pesca comercial o de consumo doméstico de pez león (Pterois volitans) mediante buceo libre por apnea." (In this reserve you can only perform the activities of commercial fishing or for personal consumption of lion fish (Pterois volitans) through the means of freediving.)
Dave, you are correct, the ban is on sport spearfishing while on scuba. There are permits for commercial spear fishing.