675 lionfish captured by divers in Keys derby
Aug 21, 2011 5:58 PM EDT
675 invasive lionfish were removed from Florida Keys waters on Saturday during the Second Annual Florida Keys Lionfish Derby Series in Key Largo.
Nineteen teams of divers competed for $3,350 in cash and prizes in the event, organized by Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF).
Team Strategery of Key Largo won the largest prize of $1,000 for capturing 289 lionfish.
Team Key Dives of Islamorada won $500 for capturing the largest lionfish, measuring 14.6 inches, while Conch Republic Divers of Tavernier won $500 for the smallest lionfish measuring 2.75 inches.
Tissue samples were taken from the lionfish by researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey to learn more about the species and its impact on native marine life.
The lionfish is known to impact native reef fish communities. They have no known predators and consume commercially and economically important fish species.
The final 2011 Florida Keys lionfish derby is schedule for November 5 at Hurricane Hole Marina in Key West.
NBC News
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