Lionfish Hunting Derby Curaçao 2024
Diving, Prizes, Community Conservation Celebration and no hospital this year
The 2024 Lionfish Hunting Derby in Curaçao was one for the books! With 36 divers taking part, this year’s event brought together ocean lovers, conservationists, and adventurers from all over the island. Each diver had two chances to make their mark, with two separate dives across various locations. The mission? Catch as many lionfish as possible and bring back as much ocean debris before the 4 p.m. deadline - and nothing else!
By the end of the day, the group managed to bring in 66.45 kg of lionfish. While it was a bit less than expected, the energy was still high. The atmosphere was lively with upbeat music, friendly competition, and plenty of laughs as divers shared their stories from the day.
Beyond the hunt, the event also featured a vibrant Ocean and Conservation Market. Local organizations like Sea Turtle Conservation Curaçao, the Branch Foundation Curaçao, Adopt a Mangrove Curaçao, and Algae Island Spirulina set up shop, spreading awareness and sharing their work to protect our waters and coastlines. It was a perfect blend of fun and purpose, giving everyone a chance to connect, learn, and get involved in ongoing conservation efforts.
Of course, no derby would be complete without prizes! From diving equipment to eco-friendly gifts, participants walked away with awesome rewards for their efforts. And best of all, this year saw no accidents - no blood, no trips to the hospital, just safe and responsible hunting all around.
As the sun began to set over Curaçao, divers and supporters gathered to celebrate a successful day. Whether it was your first derby or your fifth, there was a shared excitement for what we’re building together: a stronger, healthier reef ecosystem for the future.
If you missed out this year, mark your calendar for 2025! The Lionfish Hunting Derby is not only a blast, but it’s also a chance to make a positive impact on our island’s reefs and connect with a community that cares. We’ll see you next year!