Less Lionfish in Florida? Think again!!

[luscioman]

For all of you that thought there were a less Lionfish in Florida this year look at this from August 9. You can see the water bottle in the middle of that pile.


Credit to Alex Fogg on FB.
"So this is what 1399 lionfish looks like.....We had a hell of a day on the water for only 4 divers. Vincent Luise is a BOSS and showed me how its really done. I should have taken notes.
St. Augustine 8/09/2015"

 

[BRT]

I knew there was a reason there were less lionfish!

 

[Chugwhump]

Lots of them at less than 100' and in places where there are few divers obviously.
I know that they are here where I am,
But getting scarcer by the day.
The program is working.
Our reefs do have some breathing room.
I only killed a dozen this past weekend.
I easily killed 25 the same weekend on the same reefs last year.
And it was over 50 the year before that.

Chug
Thinks the battle continues.....
forever.

 

[deeper thoughts]

Here in the Keys they are pretty much hard to find in the Sanctuary. My last 25 dives I have seen one

 

[Ana]

So what does one do with 1399 lionfish?

Not a criticism, I just can't imagine what to do with that many. Any fish I take from the ocean ends up in a family meal, very curious where did these ended up.

 

[oldschoolto]

Eaten by someone or something... Do we really care ?

Jim....

 

[Johnoly]

So what does one do with 1399 lionfish? .

It was from a commercial boat, so probably sold. Which is actually very good. Many states outside of coastal ones are now actively seeking lionfish to serve to restaurant patrons. I know several central Florida fish processors absolutely cannot keep lionfish ceviche in stock as soon as an email update is blasted out. It is gone in just hours. The restaurant chefs are also having a field day with colorful displays on dinner plates with the spines (heat treated prior). Even artists are selling the spines as earring jewelry !!. 3 phone calls and you could off load 1400 lionfish easily And CLEANUP THE REEF at the same time !!

 

[THRASH]

Wow...that's a heck of a take. Cool!

 

[Randy g]

Well done!

 

[100days-a-year]

The fish in the rodeo were all donated.Then sold and the proceeds went to REEF and Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville.
I don't normally do tournaments but felt this was very worthy in it's scope.