Are you a diver looking for ways to get involved? Check out these programs!

Participate in a lionfish tournament

• • Lionfish tournaments can significantly reduce local lionfish populations and they are a great way to meet other divers and get involved in the Florida lionfish community.
  • To support local tournaments FWC facilitates tournament sponsorship. Our 2023-2024 Lionfish Tournament Funds Request Form is live and can be submitted anytime before May 3rd, 2024. For any questions or to learn more about the program email [email protected].

Participate in the Lionfish Challenge 

• • The Lionfish Challenge is a statewide summer-long lionfish tournament put on by FWC. The Challenge is completely free to enter and open to anyone around the state! There are tiered prizes, so the more you harvest the more you win!

Sell lionfish to the commercial market

• • • Divers must possess a Saltwater Products License to sell commercially harvested lionfish to a licensed Saltwater Wholesale Dealer. Learn more about FWC’s Commercial Saltwater Licenses.
    • Wholesale dealer interested in selling lionfish? Contact us to be added to our list of Florida Lionfish Wholesale Dealers.

Organize a lionfish removal event from an area where spearfishing is otherwise prohibited

• • FWC issues permits to dive clubs, tournaments, and other organized events to remove lionfish from areas near public fishing piers, jetties, or areas that otherwise prohibit spearfishing activities. Contact us to learn more and apply for a permit.

Have you tried lionfish yet?

Lionfish have become a popular food fish throughout their invaded range! The fillets are firm, white, and flakey in texture and have a mild, non-fishy taste that is comparable to snapper, black sea bass, or hogfish.

While the spines of lionfish do contain venom, the flesh of a lionfish is not venomous or poisonous, making it completely safe to eat!

Lionfish can be found at many restaurants, seafood markets, and grocery stores across Florida. Click here to see a list of restaurants that previously or currently serve lionfish.

Help educate others to increase awareness about invasive lionfish and their effects on native species and habitats.

Lionfish Educational Exhibit Program (LEEP)

• • Approved applicants may be awarded up to $2,400 to offset costs associated with the creation of a lionfish educational exhibit at a public facility. Our 2023-2024 LEEP Funds Request Form is available.

Tell someone you know about the lionfish invasion

• • Share FWC’s lionfish brochure or contact [email protected] to request copies to distribute at your public facility.

Check out our teacher resources

• • FWC visits classrooms all over the state to spread awareness about the lionfish invasion. We have lesson plans, classroom activities, educational modules, and dissection activities for teachers to use. Click here to learn more.

Host a Be the Predator Workshop at your local dive shop or dive club

• • FWC often visits dive clubs and other local organizations to spread lionfish awareness and educate divers about how they can get involved to stop the spread of the lionfish invasion. If you’re interested in hosting a Be the Predator workshop or presentation, send us an email!

Check out our Facebook page!

• • Click here to visit our Facebook page, and make sure to share our page with your friends!