A
Franklin County fishermen took first place in the 4th annual lionfish
challenge for catching the smallest lionfish in the competition.
Lionfish
are a nonnative, invasive species that threaten Florida’s native
saltwater fish and wildlife.
They
were introduced into Florida waters in the late 1980s but their
population has boomed in recent years – and that is causing real
problems for native species in Florida waters.
The
Lionfish challenge was created to allow fishermen to remove as many
lionfish from Florida waters as they can and to win prizes while
doing it.
This
year148 people submitted lionfish in the competition removing nearly
23,500 lionfish.
Franklin
County's own Nikki Cox took first place for the smallest lionfish
removed at only one and a half inches.
The
biggest lionfish caught was over 17 inches.
Nikki
is eligible to receive up to $3,000 in cash prizes and will be
recognized by The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
at its December meeting in Panama City Beach.
The
First place Lionfish King this year is Ken Ayers of Bay County who
caught 1,194 lionfish during the event.
The
First place Commercial Champion is Joshua Livingston of Okaloosa
County who caught 3,192.8 lbs. of lionfish since the event began on
May the 18th.
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