Home / Environment / Florida Divers Conquer Invasive Lionfish Record
Florida Divers Conquer Invasive Lionfish Record
21 Oct
Summary
- Over 500 divers removed a record 36,187 invasive lionfish.
- Hunter Ledbetter crowned Lionfish King with 1,541 fish caught.
- Helen Rodney earned Lionfish Queen title catching 1,488 fish.
Florida's waters saw a record removal of invasive lionfish this past summer, with over 500 divers participating in the annual Lionfish Challenge. These dedicated individuals collectively removed an unprecedented 36,187 lionfish between May 22 and September 14, significantly exceeding previous years' efforts. This massive undertaking aims to protect Florida's native marine species and delicate reef ecosystems from the predatory impact of the invasive species.
The competition saw Hunter Ledbetter of Monroe County crowned Lionfish King after an impressive catch of 1,541 lionfish. Helen Rodney from Broward County secured the Lionfish Queen title, demonstrating her expertise with 1,488 lionfish. The event also recognized commercial harvesters, with David Garrett leading that category, and honored young participants, including Junior Champion Meagan Huffman. This collective effort highlights the significant conservation impact achieved through community engagement in tackling marine environmental challenges.
