The first spring time lionfish tournament is due to take place later this month with scuba divers and free divers encouraged to sign up.

The one-day Swimming With Fishes tournament is being organised by the Lionfish Mafia and is due to take place over 24 hours island wide from 4pm on Friday, April 21 to 4pm on Saturday, April 22.

There will be a chance for teams of two and four to win prizes for: Most Lionfish Caught; Second Most Lionfish Caught; Largest Lionfish; Smallest Lionfish; and more. No solo diving is permitted during the tournament.

The 4pm finish on Saturday will give participants time to collect their fish and take them to the weigh-in site.

The weigh-in and wrap-up party is planned for 6pm at John Smith’s Bay.

Swimming With Lions joins a growing raft of lionfish-related events including the original Groundswell Lionfish Tournament in the summer and the Lionfish Winter Derby, which takes place over several months in the winter. They all aim to raise awareness about the threat of the invasive species to Bermuda’s native fish while helping to control their numbers in our waters. Tickets for the tournament are available from www.ptix.bm/swimmingwithlions

See the event on the Swimming With Fishes — a Lionfish Tournament Facebook page.

The event is sponsored by Rubis, Makin’ Waves and Conyers Imports.