In cooperation with State and Federal agencies Escambia County Marine Resources is holding a Lionfish Round Up in an effort to remove the species. Lionfish are invasive exotic species with potential for great harm to economy, environment and fisheries. These fish have poisonous spines that are capable of serious injury.
The Lionfish Round Up will take place from Thursday, July 4, through Monday, September 2. This potentially dangerous activity should only be accomplished by properly trained divers, fitted and equipped for the particular diving environment.
Be part of the solution. Help reduce the number of these invasive fish on our reefs while assisting researchers in monitoring efforts. How it works:
· Dive charters and dive clubs form a team.
· Teams are to ice or freeze their fish in bags and drop off at the closest receiving location with data sheets.
· Bags will be collected, verified and logged each week and weekly updates will be released electronically.
· Top teams will be recognized be the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners for their contribution to the health of local marine ecosystems and reefs.
Receiving locations are listed below:
· Bay Breeze, 49 Gulf Breeze Parkway
· Dive Pro, 7203 U.S. 98
· MBT Divers, 3920 Barrancas Avenue
· Scuba Shack, 711 S. Palafox Street
Escambia County does not accept liability for individuals participating in diving or lionfish removal.
For information about lionfish or the round up contact Rick O’Connor, Escambia Extension, (850) 475-5230 or visit myescambia.com.
