ANNA MARIA ISLAND – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking help from divers, anglers and commercial harvesters to remove lionfish from Gulf of Mexico waters.
Anyone is welcome to join the lionfish challenge, a summer-long tournament open to participants from anywhere in the state of Florida. In divisions for recreational and commercial divers, participants will compete for several prizes including dive equipment, a Yeti cooler and more, and for the title of Lionfish King and Queen or Commercial Champion.
Lionfish are an invasive marine reef fish species that have the potential to harm native wildlife and habitat. The fish are native to the Indo-Pacific and were first identified off the coast of Florida in Broward County in 1985. They are now found in large numbers on both coasts of Florida. Since their introduction, lionfish populations have exploded and they are well established in Florida waters.
Lionfish reproduce quickly, compete with native species for habitat and food and have no natural predators in the waters surrounding the Island. The fish are highly venomous, and according to the FWC, lionfish are the most harmful marine invader to date.
The FWC has been one of the lead organizations to initiate procedures to not only evaluate the extent of the invasion, but also support control efforts and initiate removal incentive programs.
Anyone interested in learning how to harvest lionfish should start with the following information:
WHAT: The most effective way to remove lionfish is by divers using spearfishing equipment.
WHERE: Although lionfish can be found in a variety of habitats, they are most commonly spotted on high relief structure in offshore waters. The state of Florida keeps data on all public reef sites located around the state.
HOW: Lionfish are easily harvested using a pole spear and a containment device. A pole spear is a very simple spearing device that consists of a short pole shaft (usually made of aluminum or Fiberglas), a removable multi-prong spear tip and a rubber band. A containment device is necessary for preventing a lionfish sting and for storing lionfish during a dive.
Do not grab a lionfish with bare hands. The venom of the fish is a neuromuscular toxin that’s similar to cobra venom, and is delivered through spines on its back. Despite that, if properly prepared, lionfish is edible and served at restaurants throughout Florida.
For more information on the tournament, visit the Reef Rangers website.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is seeking the aid of divers, anglers and commercial harvesters to remove lion fish from Florida waters.
