VIDEO: Lionfish, Bad For Florida Waters But Certainly Not Bad On a Plate

By  //  May 4, 2016

lionfish invading Florida's coastal waters

ABOVE VIDEO: The lionfish is invading Florida’s coastal waters, harming native wildlife and habitat. This non-native species has venomous spines, lacks natural predators, and is able to reproduce quickly, which allows it to dominate other fish species that compete for resources. Divers are helping researchers catch the fish to learn more about its biology and develop ways to control the population.

The lionfish is invading Florida’s coastal waters, harming native wildlife and habitat.

This non-native species has venomous spines, lacks natural predators.

It is able to reproduce quickly, which allows it to dominate other fish species that compete for resources.

Lionfish might be bad for our waters, but they are certainly not bad on a plate.

A team of 13 divers took 515 of the invasive species in one day and then served a few of them up for dinner.

TOP 2015 VIDEO: Great White Shark Shocks Diver Spearing Lionfish Off Port CanaveralRelated Story:
TOP 2015 VIDEO: Great White Shark Shocks Diver Spearing Lionfish Off Port Canaveral

You can get rewarded too by learning more about the Florida Fish and Wildlife’s upcoming statewide Lionfish Challenge and Panhandle Pilot Program.

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FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Josh Falkner, Grayson Shepard, Alex Fogg and Andy Ross (Capt of Niuhi Dive Charters). This team and more collected 515 lionfish in April off the Empire Mica, 22 miles south of Cape San Blas. (Florida Fish and Wildlife image)
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Josh Falkner, Grayson Shepard, Alex Fogg and Andy Ross (Capt of Niuhi Dive Charters). This team and more collected 515 lionfish in April off the Empire Mica, 22 miles south of Cape San Blas. (Florida Fish and Wildlife image)
This delicious lionfish and shrimp jambalaya was made at Pot Roast and Pinot in Pensacola. (Florida Fish and Wildlife image)
This delicious lionfish and shrimp jambalaya was made at Pot Roast and Pinot in Pensacola. (Florida Fish and Wildlife image)