Florida challenges people to harvest as many lionfish as they can this summer

Lionfish Florida wildlife officials are issuing a challenge for people to help remove as many invasive lionfish from state waterways as they can this summer. (Picasa/Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)

By Sarah Wilson

Florida is challenging people to harvest as many lionfish as possible starting on June 1.

The 2023 Lionfish Challenge, organized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, is back for its eighth year. The contest, which is open to all ages, runs until Oct. 1.

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Organizers said the goal is to remove as many of the invasive fish from the ecosystem as possible in four months.

Since its inception, more than 165,000 lionfish have been harvested as part of the challenge.

Read: 9 Investigates invasive lionfish in coastal waters

Prizes are offered for the top performers.

To read the full tournament rules and register, click here. FWCreefrangers.com/lionfish-challenge.

Watch: 9 Facts: Lionfish invasion

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