Divers Shatter Record In Lionfish Hunt During FWC's Lionfish Challenge

FLORIDA - Hundreds of divers have successfully removed a record-breaking 31,773 invasive lionfish from Florida waters in a stunning display of conservation efforts.

The annual Lionfish Challenge, organized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), concluded on September 2nd.

Lionfish, a non-native species that has wreaked havoc on Florida's marine ecosystem, pose a significant threat to native fish populations and coral reefs.

The competition aims to reduce their numbers and mitigate their impact on the state's marine life.

This year's tournament saw an impressive surge in participation, with over 285 competitors submitting harvests from more than 700 dives.

The combined efforts of these divers resulted in a staggering haul, surpassing the previous record of 30,494 lionfish removed in 2023.

The FWC commended the participants for their dedication and highlighted the importance of the Lionfish Challenge in raising awareness about this invasive species and encouraging public involvement in conservation.

While the divers play a crucial role in controlling the lionfish population, the challenge remains daunting due to the lack of natural predators for these venomous fish.

However, the continued success of the Lionfish Challenge offers hope for a brighter future for Florida's marine ecosystems.

Divers shatter record in annual lionfish hunt, removing 31,773 invasive fish from Florida waters.