7th Annual Groundswell Lionfish Tournament on July 22
Since the first sighting of a lionfish in Bermuda in 2000, the invasive fish has posed a growing threat to the island’s marine ecosystem. A single female lionfish can produce more than 2 million eggs every year and, with no natural predators, the voracious appetite of lionfish can rapidly reduce numbers of native fish and invertebrates that are commercially, recreationally, and ecologically important.
Last year a record number of lionfish cullers participated in the 6th annual Groundswell Lionfish Tournament, held at BIOS.
The tournament is an opportunity to promote awareness of the invasive lionfish issue; allow scientists to collect samples from individual fish in support of ongoing research into lionfish ecology, physiology, reproduction, and distribution; and promote the incorporation of lionfish into local cuisine, both at home and in restaurants around the island.
This year’s tournament is scheduled for Saturday, July 22, 2017 with the official weigh-in and festivities held at BIOS. For more information, including details on how to register for a lionfish hunting permit (which is required to enter the tournament), please visit the Groundswell website.
