PHILIPSBURG--Nature Foundation will launch its third Lionfish Derby this month. Participants are to register with Nature Foundation before September 9 to qualify for cash prizes for most lionfish caught and special prizes for largest and smallest lionfish caught. A special weighing event will take place on Saturday, September 27, at which winners will be announced.
The aim of the derby is to get dive operators and registered divers involved in controlling the lionfish population to protect the coral reef ecosystem.
"There is a need for experienced divers and local fishermen to control the lionfish for the protection of our local reef species," according to the Nature Foundation.
Fishermen are also continuously contributing to the control of the lionfish by trapping the animal in offshore areas.
Lionfish are an invasive venomous fish that can inflict a painful and sometimes fatal sting. Lionfish are usually found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans but were introduced into the Atlantic through the aquarium trade. Native fish species do not recognize the Lionfish as a threat so they are unable to defend themselves against it. In other places were lionfish were spotted there are hardly any snappers and grouper left because those are the type of fish the lionfish likes to eat.
The Windward Islands Bank, Barefoot Terrace and International Liquors and Tobacco Trading have already signed up as sponsors of the event.
Nature Foundation encourages fishermen, divers and all those who may want to take part in the derby to register via e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 544-4267 during business hours.
