Lionfish Challenge breaks records
TALLAHASSEE – The 2024 FWC Lionfish Challenge broke records as 285 divers removed 31,773 lionfish from the waters of Florida.
The summer-long tournament rewards divers for their lionfish harvests. The tournament, which concluded Sept. 2, was open to everyone.
Matt Myers, of Duval, was the commercial champion, netting 1,785 pounds of lionfish. Baye Beaford, of Duval, captured 915 lionfish to win the recreational division.
“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,” FWC Executive Director Roger Young said.
195 Burmese pythons removed from south Florida
EVERGLADES – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced that 195 invasive Burmese pythons were removed from south Florida as part of the 2024 Florida Python Challenge.
Ronald Kiger won the grand prize of $10,000 for removing 20 pythons during the 10-day competition. Dennis Krum captured the longest python, measuring 9 feet, 11 inches.
The aim of the challenge is to increase awareness about invasive species and the threats they pose to Florida’s ecology.
“Over 14,000 pythons have been successfully removed by FWC and South Florida Water Management District contractors since 2017,” said Rodney Barreto, FWC chairman. “This collective effort continues to have a direct positive impact on the Everglades and our native wildlife through removal and awareness.”
Florida’s Fish Art Contest accepting entries
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, in partnership with Wildlife Forever, is hosting the 2024-25 Art of Conservation Fish Art Contest.
The program invites youth to connect with nature and learn about fish and aquatic habitats while exploring creative art and writing. The free contest is accessible to students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Florida students can submit their artwork to Wildlife Forever using the Florida Fish Art Contest entry form page.
One first place winner and one runner up will be selected for each grade bracket (kindergarten through third grade, fourth through sixth grade, seventh through ninth grade, and tenth through twelfth grade), one for illustrating the best freshwater fish species and one for the best saltwater fish species.
The 2024-25 contest is open for submissions until Feb. 28, 2025.
Visit MyFWC.com/FishArt for rules.
Oceanic whitetip shark becomes prohibited species
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in September approved classifying oceanic whitetip shark as a prohibited species within Florida state waters.
This rule will make Florida’s state regulations consistent with federal regulations, promote conservation and support coordinated interstate and international efforts to rebuild the threatened oceanic whitetip shark population.
Learn more about other prohibited shark species by visiting MyFWC.com/Sharks.
Beer supports The Florida Aquarium
TAMPA – Coral Haze, the limited-edition beer from Coppertail Brewing, is crafted to support The Florida Aquarium with $1 from every can sold going directly to its critical coral conservation programs.
The hazy pale ale can be purchased by the can from Café Ray or The Cove. In addition to The Florida Aquarium, it is available at Coppertail Brewing, where $1 from every pint and $4 from each 4-pack will be donated.
The brew can also be purchased at select retailers, including Total Wine & More, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, and Luekens Wine & Spirits.
Originally launched in 2018 as a collaboration between The Florida Aquarium and Coppertail Brewing, Coral Haze has raised more than $27,000 for coral conservation efforts over the years.