Record-Breaking Year for 2024 FWC Lionfish Challenge: Crowning the Recreational King and Commercial Champion

[nyangler.com staff]

The ninth edition of the FWC Lionfish Challenge wrapped up on September 2, 2024, with record-breaking results. Competitors pushed the limits to claim the titles of Lionfish King or Queen and Commercial Champion, smashing the previous year's numbers in the process. This year's event has set a new bar in the fight against Florida's invasive lionfish population.

2024 Lionfish Challenge: A Record-Breaking Event​

Participation soared in the 2024 challenge, with 285 dedicated divers submitting their lionfish catches. Over the course of more than 700 trips across Florida, these conservation-minded participants removed a staggering 31,773 lionfish from Florida waters—the largest number since the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) launched the Lionfish Challenge in 2016.

The 2024 Lionfish Challenge Winners​

In a year full of remarkable results, two outstanding divers emerged as the champions:

Recreational Division Winners:​

• Lionfish King (First Place): Baye Beaford (Duval) – 915 lionfish
• Second Place: Dale Wolber (Duval) – 866 lionfish
• Third Place: Tim Robinson (Broward) – 726 lionfish

Commercial Division Winners:​

• Commercial Champion (First Place): Matt Myers (Duval) – 1,785 pounds of lionfish
• Second Place: Jerry Butler (Duval) – 1,426 pounds of lionfish
• Third Place: Isidoro Bedoya (Duval) – 845 pounds of lionfish

Official Statements​

FWC Commission Chairman Rodney Barreto praised the competitors:
"We’re grateful for the Lionfish Challenge participants who worked hard to shatter the previous year’s record in removing these invasive species. Congratulations to our 2024 Lionfish King and Commercial Champion; your exceptional efforts are helping defend our precious marine ecosystems."

FWC Executive Director Roger Young also shared his gratitude:
"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. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the 2024 participants for their collective effort in removing over 31,000 invasive lionfish from Florida's waters. Your dedication is truly commendable."

A Growing Movement: Lionfish Tournaments Across Florida​

The impact of the Lionfish Challenge extends beyond the record-breaking results. The growing enthusiasm for this event has sparked an influx of new lionfish tournaments across the state, encouraging even more people to join the effort. Excitement is already building for the 2025 FWC Lionfish Challenge, with hopes of setting even higher records next year.

Background: What is the Lionfish Challenge?​

The Lionfish Challenge is a summer-long tournament that rewards divers for their lionfish harvests. Open to all, free of charge, and allowing participants to compete from anywhere in the state, the Challenge offers divers the opportunity to win prizes based on their lionfish removals. The ultimate goal? Earning the prestigious title of Lionfish King/Queen or Commercial Champion.

Key Takeaways:​

• Record-breaking year with 31,773 lionfish removed.
• 285 participants embarked on over 700 trips across Florida.
• Baye Beaford (Recreational King) and Matt Myers (Commercial Champion) emerged victorious.
• Growing enthusiasm has led to more lionfish tournaments across Florida.
• The Lionfish Challenge plays a crucial role in raising awareness and actively protecting Florida's marine ecosystems.

Stay tuned for the 2025 FWC Lionfish Challenge—let’s continue the fight to preserve Florida’s waters!