The second of three Lionfish Derbies was held in Marathon Oct. 23 with at least 21 of the poisonous Pacific invaders rounded up by divers armed with puncture-resistant gloves. With three derbies scheduled in the Upper, Middle and Lower Keys this fall, the invasive species is being sought with$3,000 in cash and prizes as reward.
The scourge of the reef is a voracious feeder who preys on native species. Compared to the Upper Keys largest lionfish of 270 mm (10-and-a-half inches), the largest fish caught in the Marathion area was 193 mm. The Upper Keys roundup Sept. 11 removed 534 of the little beasts, and featured a lionfish tasting of the edible meat.
On Nov.13, the Lower Keys Lionfish Derby is to be hosted at the Hurricane Hole Marina in Key West. Visit www.reef.org for entry information.
Comments
Got a good recipe for the critters?
Cool project.
How long will they keep up this project?
Will this quest qualify for Deadliest Catch video?
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