BlueFest 2025 began with a splash with a national Lionfish Derby on Sunday, 2 November. The event was organised by the Barbados Diver Operator Association in collaboration with the Barbados Fisheries Division and Coastal Zone Management Unit.
The purpose of lionfish derbies is to control the population of invasive lionfish by removing as many as possible through a one-day competition, while also promoting the consumption of lionfish as a food source, collecting data for research, and increasing public awareness and engagement in marine conservation.
Seven teams participated in the derby and collectively landed 117 lionfish weighing in at 68 lbs. Successful teams were awarded prizes for their amazing efforts at landing the largest, smallest, most fish caught and heaviest catch.
Special thanks to all our sponsors and partners.
For more information: https://www.barbadoslionfishderby.com
Snapshots of the prize-giving ceremony: Dr. Shelly-Ann Cox (top left), Ram Edghill(top middle), Scott Clarke and John Hazell (top right), Alyssa White (bottom left), and spectators and participants (bottom right).
Top left: Trident Free Divers Team, Bottom Left: Scotch N Soda left, Bottom right: One Million Beers Team