Latest news with #LiveWildlyFoundation
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Massive fishing tournament takes aim at species harming local waters: 'They're venomous, they're invasive, and they're delicious'
It turns out invasive lionfish aren't only delicious but can also earn people big cash prizes for catching them in state tournaments. That's the idea behind the Emerald Coast Open Lionfish Tournament — the world's largest lionfish tournament — which aims to keep the fish from destroying delicate marine habitats and ecosystems. According to WTTV, the nonprofit Live Wildly Foundation sponsored the tournament, which took place in Destin, Florida, in mid-May. The competition "encourages restaurants and their customers to discover the joy of eating lionfish," which has a mild, delicate, and subtle flavor, according to Lionfish Central. Teams of fishers competed to catch either the most, the largest, or the smallest lionfish, and winners received cash prizes of up to $10,000, per the tournament website. During the week of the tournament, local restaurants promoted lionfish dishes on their menus and took the opportunity to raise awareness with customers about the dangers the fish pose to coastal habitats. CBS4 said that lionfish has a similar flavor profile to snapper and black sea bass, both popular fish in many locales. Many restaurants have started serving lionfish, and some dishes are such a hit that they sell out in minutes, like at North Carolina-based Rx Chicken & Oysters. Sarah Doss, the restaurant owner, told The Assembly: "They're venomous, they're invasive, and they're delicious." The more restaurants that serve the invasive species and the more tournaments that are held to reduce their populations, the better. CBS4 explained that lionfish don't have natural predators in Atlantic waters, meaning they can reproduce with virtually no limits. One lionfish can produce around 2 million eggs per year, and the fish have become a problem up and down the Eastern Seaboard. They're not only a threat to ecosystems but also a hazard to the food web, as they prey on algae-eating species and other important fish, such as seabass, grouper, and snapper. Additionally, since the fish are invasive, lionfish outcompete native species for resources, contributing to ecological imbalances. Countries such as Costa Rica have started hosting yearly culinary festivals to encourage people to eat lionfish, and one Tampa Bay-based company is even making handbags out of the creatures. With solutions like these, taming the uncontrolled lionfish may not be too difficult. "Florida's unique marine areas are not just beautiful; they also are the backbone of our tourism, commercial fishing, and outdoor recreation economies," Lisa Shipley, CEO of Live Wildly, told CBS4. "Lionfish are an invasive species that pose a real threat to Florida's natural systems, native wildlife, and nature-based economy." "Getting outdoors to catch lionfish is a great way to enjoy wild Florida while also keeping it healthy," Shipley added. "Restaurants that serve lionfish are not just providing great food to their customers; they're also helping keep Florida's marine systems strong and productive for residents, tourists, and local economies."
Miami Herald
13-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Live Wildly and Florida Wing Factory Bring the Heat for Conservation with New ‘Mild to Wild' Hot Sauces
The Live Wildly Foundation and Florida Wing Factory are turning up the heat to protect wild Florida with a sizzling new collaboration of custom hot sauces that blend bold flavor with a powerful purpose. TAMPA, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / May 13, 2025 / Launching May 17, the new sauces - 'Bearly Burnin' (mild) and 'CATchin' Fire' (wild) - carry a simple message: From mild to wild, Florida's wild places are worth protecting. Each bottle of sauce features the Live Wildly Pledge to protect wild Florida along with a QR code that links customers to the Live Wildly website where they can learn more about conservation efforts across the state and sign the pledge themselves. The Pledge reads: "We are wild flowing rivers and springs, vibrant swamps, soaring forests, and pristine coastlines connect us all. I pledge to honor and protect this home we share. With gratitude, I vow to safeguard what sustains us, nurture what nurtures us, and cherish our wild places for myself and generations to come. I am a guardian of Florida's wild soul." To celebrate the launch of the mild to wild sauces, Florida Wing Factory in Tallahassee will host an in-store promotion from May 17-31. Guests who visit and sign the Live Wildly pledge in person will receive a free bottle of hot sauce - either Bearly Burnin' or CATchin' Fire - and be entered to win a $100 Florida Wing Factory gift card. Even better, for every pledge signed, the Live Wildly Foundation will donate $1 to conservation efforts in Florida on behalf of the individual signer. "This partnership is all about flavor with purpose," said Lisa Shipley, Live Wildly CEO. "Whether you go mild or wild, you're helping protect Florida's incredible natural heritage. It's a simple action that makes a lasting impact." "We're proud to team up with Live Wildly to bring attention to Florida's wild spaces through something our customers love - great hot sauce," said Chris Lee, CEO and Co-Founder at Florida Wing Factory. "It's a win for flavor and a win for Florida." Both sauces will be available while supplies last exclusively at Florida Wing Factory and at events sponsored by Live Wildly, including the Emerald Coast Open Lionfish Tournament in Destin, FL, May 16-18th. Don't miss your chance to taste the heat and help protect what makes Florida wild. About Live Wildly Foundation:Live Wildly is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to raising public awareness for the importance of wildlife corridor conservation. Through collaboration with partner organizations, Live Wildly is helping improve economies, ecology and livelihoods. Learn more at About Florida Wing Factory:Florida Wing Factory is a locally owned and operated restaurant in Tallahassee known for bold flavors, creative wing sauces, and its deep ties to the community.
