5th Annual
Lion Tamer Dive Tournament & Family Fun Day
Panama City Beach, Florida
Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) adopted a resolution to raise awareness about invasive-lionfish. FWC designated the first Saturday after Mother’s Day each year to be Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day.
Why remove them?
Lionfish are a nonnative, invasive species that have a negative impact on Florida’s native wildlife and habitat. They eat anything that will fit in their mouths, including young snappers, groupers, lobsters, and shrimp. Consistent lionfish removal can reduce the negative impacts lionfish have on the reef community.
For more information on lionfish, and tips on how to safely handle them and clean them, go to the FWC lionfish website.
Our reefs need your help
The Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association, a 501(c)3 organization, has placed 200 reefs in the Gulf waters off the shores of Mexico Beach, Florida. MBARA research divers remove lionfish on reefs they visit, but they need the help of other divers.
Any tournament participant who certifies they launched their boat from Mexico Beach during the Lion Tamer Dive Tournament, will be eligible for a bonus drawing to win a Yeti Roadie Cooler (donated by Mexico Beach Marina) in addition to being eligible for all the other prizes.
Prizes
Prizes awarded for: Most Lionfish, Largest Lionfish, Smallest Lionfish. Thanks to a generous sponsor, we have cash prizes for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd MOST lionfish of $500, $300, and $200.
Lionfish will also count towards largest Grey Snapper, Amberjack, and Triggerfish.
To sign up and see the rules, go to the Diver's Den website.
Family Fun
Family Fun includes: Kids Fishing Clinic, games, exhibits, and more. Click here for more Family Fun information.
Lion Tamer Dive Tournament: May 14 and 15
Lionfish Tournament check in: May 15, 1 pm to 4 pm
Lionfish Weigh-in and Tasting: May 15, 4 pm to 6 pm
Games and Exhibits: May 15, 11 am to 6 pm
Vendors & Seafood Market: May 15, 11 am to 6 pm
Kids Fishing Clinic: May 15, 1 pm to 4 pm
