FLORIDA — “I want to extend my personal thanks to each and every person who has taken the Lionfish Challenge,” said Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Chairman Rodney Barreto.
“It is my belief that your efforts do a great deal in helping control this nonnative predator’s population, ensuring that our native wildlife is protected.”
Numbers update
As of this week:
- 362 people have registered.
- 69 people have submitted lionfish (64 recreational, five commercial).
- 3,446 lionfish submitted.
- 50 checkpoints for recreational participant submissions.
Recent Raffle Winners
June 2
- Toadfish Non-Tipping Can Cooler
- Helen Rodney
- France Mer
Upcoming Raffle Drawings
- July 7 – four winners
- Aug. 4 – four winners
- Sept. 1 – two winners
- All qualified participants (submission of 25 lionfish or 25 pounds for commercial) will be entered into drawing.
Background
The Lionfish Challenge rewards lionfish harvesters with prizes for their lionfish removals. The participant who harvests the most lionfish will be crowned the Recreational Lionfish King/Queen and the Commercial Champion. The Challenge also has a tiered prize system that allows everyone to be rewarded for their removals. The more removals, the more prizes you win.
Spiny Lobster Incentive
Did you know there is a spiny lobster resource incentive for the 2021 Lionfish Challenge? By harvesting and submitting 25 lionfish (or 25 pounds commercial) before spiny lobster mini season (July 28-29), you may use your 2021 Challenge coin to harvest one additional lobster per day! You must have your 2021 Challenge coin in your possession to harvest lobster over the bag limit. Learn more about spiny lobster regulations at MyFWC.com/Marine and clicking on “Recreational Regulations.”
Sign up and learn more today by visiting FWCReefRangers.com.
Links
Support Florida lionfish control programs by purchasing our new Rep Your Water lionfish hats at the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida.
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