They threaten our coral reefs, our fisheries, our mangroves and more. Lionfish are visitors, an invasive species originally from Indonesia, that are not welcome in the Gulf and numbers have dramatically increased in the last 15 years. Many biologists suspect that lionfish populations have not even peaked in the Gulf – which means that lionfish numbers are due to increase here.

Join us Thursday, Dec. 3 for an informational session with Jessica Valek, Environmental Specialist with the Lionfish Control Team, who will go over lionfish invasion, how the public has helped and can help, FWC programs including Lionifhs Removal/Awareness Day, Lionfish Challenge, Lionfish Educaiton Exhibit Program, Classroom Invastion, Harvest Programs, Outreach Booth and more.

Please RSVP to this event by emailing info@adventuretampa.com or by calling 813-832-6669. The event will be available in person or virtually via Zoom. Please reach out for the passcode and meeting number.

Zendog Divers is an informal dive club for like-minded people. Our mission is focused on local Florida diving including: safety, marine conservation and continuing dive education. We try to have a guest speaker once a month join us. If you are interested in participating in our monthly guest lecture series, please reach out to us at info@adventuretampa.com.

Jessica moved from Minnesota to Florida in 2014 to go to school and pursue a career in marine biology. She has a Bachelor’s in Marine Biology from the University of West Florida in Pensacola, FL. She joined FWC in November of 2019. Her responsibilities include lionfish education and outreach while also running FWC’s educational programs and attending all outreach events and presentations. Jessica is also an avid scuba diver and frequently dive for the agency.