Hey Divers: Want To Hunt Dangerous Lionfish For Texas?

Lionfish are a dangerous and invasive species causing problems off the shores of Texas in the Gulf of Mexico.

Lionfish are growing in number along the Gulf thanks to a lack of natural predators and the ability to pop out little Lionfish very quickly.

There are also rattlesnakes on the beaches in Texas so, heads up.

They don't sting humans all that often but, when they do, it's not pleasant. Their sting can cause extreme pain, nausea, convulsions, dizziness, fever and numbness.

They were somehow introduced to Texas waters and have grown in such great numbers that organized hunts are being arranged by the state to kill as many as possible.

So, if you're a scuba diver in need of somewhere to dive, apply here to go on one of three different hunting expeditions. Application deadline is March 21, 2024.

The hunting dives are scheduled for 6/23 - 6/27, 811 - 8/15 and/or 9/8 - 9/12. For more info, click here or call 910-297-3825.

You can also find more details here. All applicants must meet the following requirements to be a part of the dives:

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Be able to swim.
• Be at least advanced open water scuba certified or higher. Divers for the trip in August must be at least rescue or divemaster certified.
• Be nitrox certified.
• Have done at least 25 dives in the past 12 months OR provide the total number of dives since becoming a diver.
• Have DAN or dive-specific insurance.

The largest Lionfish caught during these events was 17" long while the smallest measured only 1".

Lionfish stings can be painful so proper safety training will be given to divers to protect both the reef itself and themselves.