The lionfish derby was a great success! Six hundred and seventy-five of the invasive species were caught at the second annual Key Largo Derby.
REEF, which co sponsored the derby with the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, reported that 19 teams of divers competed for $3,350 in cash and prizes in the event.
"Team “Strategery” of Key Largo netted $1,000 for most lionfish with their haul of 289 fish collected in the single day event. Team “Key Dives” of Islamorada, won $500 for largest lionfish with a 143/5-inch fish, while Team “Conch Republic Divers” of Tavernier took home $500 for the smallest lionfish at 23/4-inches. Some teams took prizes in multiple categories."
The next and final 2011 Florida Keys lionfish derby is scheduled for November 5 at Hurricane Hole Marina in Key West. Register here: http://www.reef.org/lionfish/derbies/keysderbies.
