August 6, 2026

Successful Lionfish Invitational

Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, along with Lionfish Invitational Inc., Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and Texas Caribbean Charters, LLC, welcomed trained volunteer divers, citizen scientists, and research partners to the annual Lionfish Invitational. The trip took place July 26-30, 2026, with participants from across the United States. 

Over the course of three days, invitational participants conducted fish surveys and removed 157 invasive lionfish from East Flower Garden Bank, West Flower Garden Bank, Stetson Bank, and surrounding artificial reef structures. 

Sanctuary researchers will examine the removed lionfish for growth and stomach contents to identify the native fish species lionfish consume. The final trip of the summer is planned for September 2026. By better understanding the effects of lionfish on native fish communities and habitats, managers can work to minimize their impact on sanctuary resources.

Sanctuary Saturday at Moody Gardens Join us on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Moody Gardens Aquarium in Galveston, Texas, to learn more about how we are working with the Friends of Flower Garden Banks to connect the sanctuary to the community. This event will take place in front of the Coral Rescue Lab in the Aquarium.

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