The ninth edition of the FWC Lionfish Challenge concluded on September 2, with competitors battling until the last minute and breaking the record set in 2023. Participants showcased their determination to rid Florida waters of invasive lionfish and claim the titles of Lionfish King or Queen and Commercial Champion.
The 2024 Lionfish Challenge saw increased participation, with 285 divers submitting their lionfish harvests. These divers embarked on over 700 trips throughout the state during the Challenge and removed 31,773 lionfish from Florida waters.
This is the highest tournament total since the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Lionfish Challenge began in 2016. Amidst these results, two participants emerged as victors:
Lionfish King (First Place Recreational Division): Baye Beaford (Duval) – 915 lionfish
Second Place Recreational Division: Dale Wolber (Duval) – 866 lionfish
Third Place Recreational Division: Tim Robinson (Broward) – 726 lionfish
Commercial Champion (First Place Commercial Division): Matt Myers (Duval) – 1,785 pounds of lionfish
Second Place Commercial Division: Jerry Butler (Duval) – 1,426 pounds of lionfish
Third Place Commercial Division: Isidoro Bedoya (Duval) – 845 pounds of lionfish
"We're grateful for the Lionfish Challenge participants who worked hard to shatter the previous year's record in removing these invasive species," said FWC Commission Chairman Rodney Barreto. “Congratulations to our 2024 Lionfish King and Commercial Champion; your exceptional efforts are helping defend our precious marine ecosystems."
"The Lionfish Challenge raises awareness of this invasive species and serves as a great way to get people outdoors and involved in conservation by removing invasive lionfish," said FWC Executive Director Roger Young. "We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the 2024 participants for their collective effort in removing over 31,000 invasive lionfish from Florida's waters. Your dedication is truly commendable."
As a testament to Florida’s divers' dedication, there has also been an influx of new lionfish tournaments across the state. Excitement is already brewing for the 2025 FWC Lionfish Challenge as more records are anticipated to be broken.
Background
The Lionfish Challenge is a summer-long tournament that rewards divers for their lionfish harvests. The tournament is open to everyone, free to enter, and participants can compete from anywhere in the state. Divers receive prizes throughout based on their number of harvested lionfish and compete for prestigious titles.
Learn more about lionfish at MyFWC.com/Lionfish.
Keep up with FWC's programs on Facebook at Facebook.com/FWCReefRangers.