More than 21,000 invasive lionfish were removed from Florida waters during the 2021 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Lionfish Challenge. Brooks Feeser of Palm Beach County was named first place Lionfish King in the recreational category for his haul of 1,632 of the invasive fish. And a familiar name won the top prize in the commercial category: Rachel Bowman of Monroe County, who removed 730 pounds of lionfish.
The summer-long tournament, which rewards divers for their lionfish harvests, is open to everyone, is free to enter and participants can compete from anywhere in the state. Divers receive prizes based on the amount of lionfish they harvest and compete for the title of the Lionfish King/Queen or Commercial Champion.
Commercial Champion: Rachel Bowman, Monroe County
Look for lionfish in seafood markets and on the menu at places like Square Grouper Bar & Grill in Cudjoe Key, the Southernmost Beach Cafe in Key West, Sunset Grille and Raw Bar in Marathon and other South Florida restaurants.
