Go fish: Floridians challenged to remove as many invasive lionfish as possible

Florida wildlife officials are issuing a challenge for people to help remove as many invasive lionfish from state waterways as they can this summer.

The 2022 Lionfish Challenge kicks off on Friday and runs through Sept. 6.

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Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials said participants are invited to compete in either the commercial or recreation division to help fight the “lionfish invasion.”

Prizes will be awarded in the following tiers:

READ: 9 Investigates the effects of invasive species in Florida

• Tier 1: Harvest 25 lionfish (recreational category) or 25 pounds of lionfish (commercial category).

• Tier 2: Harvest 100 lionfish (recreational category) or 250 pounds of lionfish (commercial category).

• Tier 3: Harvest 300 lionfish (recreational category) or 500 pounds of lionfish (commercial category).

• Tier 4: Harvest 600 lionfish (recreational category) or 1000 pounds of lionfish (commercial category).

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Click here to read the full tournament rules or register.

9 Facts: Lionfish invasion Eyewitness News looked at 9 facts that lists the traits to make the lionfish an effective invader.

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