The eighth edition of the Lionfish Challenge concluded this October, shattering previous records and crowning Baye Beauford Lionfish King, 2023. The competition saw 281 registrants embarking on 917 dive trips over a four-month period, which collectively removed 30,494 invasive Lionfish from Florida State Waters.
Recreational diver Beauford caught 1514 lionfish alone, while Commercial Champion Jerry Butler landed 1208 pounds of Lionfish. The total is the highest recorded since Florida Fish And Wildlife started the competition in 2014, and 5,000 more lionfish were removed this year, than in 2022.
“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to every individual who participated in the Lionfish Challenge, and a special congratulatory thank you to our 2023 Lionfish King and Commercial Champion,” said FWC Commission Chairman Rodney Barreto. “Our Lionfish Challenge participants have become environmental heroes, defending our marine ecosystems against invasive lionfish and exemplifying the spirit of conservation.”
To read the entire thread, please go:
Lionfish Challenge removes 30,000 Lionfish from Florida state waters | Reef Builders | The Reef and Saltwater Aquarium Blog
The eighth edition of the Lionfish Challenge concluded this October, shattering previous records and crowning Baye Beauford Lionfish King, 2023. The competition saw 281 registrants embarking on 917…
reefbuilders.com
To see where they outreached for participants, please go:
NOAA seeks divers - deadline 3/1 - Lionfish Invitational
Photo Credit: Kelly Drinnen/FGBNMS Divers, apply now to join NOAA for the 2023 Lionfish Invitational! This alternative to Lionfish Derbies allows recreational divers to help NOAA collect important scientific information as they work to remove lionfish from the sanctuary. They have two trips...
forum.dfwmas.org