Florida’s marine life depends on killing invasive fish
Lionfish were first spotted off the Florida coast in the 1980s, and the population swelled during the last 15 years.
Florida lionfish hunt underway
The annual hunt for lionfish off the coast of Florida is underway (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)
MIAMI – The hunt is on to kill as many lionfish as possible in the waters surrounding Florida before the invasive does irreparable harm to reef ecosystems and other native marine life.
As part of the effort, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recently kicked off its annual Lionfish Challenge for anglers to harvest as many of the spiny fish as possible by September 6.
The agency says lionfish are native to the Indo-Pacific region, but because possibly of commercial trade made it into the waters off Florida during the 1980s and have increased in numbers ever since.
Researchers believe water temperatures of at least 50℉ are needed to keep the fish alive, but the population is able to thrive once waters reach at least the mid-60s.
Most water temperatures around Florida are in the 70s and 80s.
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It is in these warm, tropical waters that lionfish prey on smaller fish and upset fragile ecosystems.
Experts say the presence of the species reduces crucial food sources for native fish and leads to algae growing unchecked on reefs.
The additive stress on reefs comes at a time when the vital ecosystems were already dealing with increased pollution and climate change.
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Image 1 of 5PENSACOLA, FL - MAY 22: Divers and chefs take part in the 2017 Lionfish World Championship, where they must spear the most lionfish in order to win in Pensacola, FL on May 22, 2017. (Photo by Benjamin Lowy/Getty Images) ( )
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Image 2 of 5(GERMANY OUT) Lionfish at Mbike Wreck, Pterois volitans, Florida Islands, Solomon Islands (Photo by Reinhard Dirscherlullstein bild via Getty Images)
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Image 3 of 5PENSACOLA, FL - MAY 22: Divers and chefs take part in the 2017 Lionfish World Championship, where they must spear the most lionfish in order to win in Pensacola, FL on May 22, 2017. (Photo by Benjamin Lowy/Getty Images)
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Image 4 of 5PENSACOLA, FL - MAY 22: Divers and chefs take part in the 2017 Lionfish World Championship, where they must spear the most lionfish in order to win in Pensacola, FL on May 22, 2017. (Photo by Benjamin Lowy/Getty Images)
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Image 5 of 5PENSACOLA, FL - MAY 20: Divers and chefs take part in the 2017 Lionfish World Championship, where they must spear the most lionfish in order to win in Pensacola, FL on May 20, 2017. (Photo by Benjamin Lowy/Getty Images)
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports clusters of the lionfish have been reported from the Gulf of Mexico to the Caribbean and up the Atlantic seaboard through North Carolina.
Recent research suggests that the fish may be able to adapt to and tolerate water bodies outside of tropical oceans.
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Biologists say brackish coastal zones, mangroves and estuarine habitats may be at future risk of invasion, if the invasive species’ population is not held in check.
A healthy fishing industry is important to the Sunshine State and is responsible for around a $14 billion economic impact that some biologists worried could be threatened by the nuisance fish.
Top participants in the ongoing competition to capture the most lionfish will be eligible for rewards and bragging rights.
The 2021 challenge resulted in more than 21,000 lionfish being removed from the waters around Florida.