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Expanding Lionfish Removal Efforts, FWC Asks More People To Sign Up As 'Reef Rangers'

reefrangers.com
Adolphus Busch IV and his employee Rachel Lynn Bowman are part of a lionfish spearing team. They're this week's Reef Ranger Team of the Week.

Florida wildlife officials want more people to sign up for their “Reef Rangers” program. It builds on the ongoing efforts to remove the invasive lionfish species from state waters.

To become a Reef Ranger, participants may require a particular set of skills…maybe like that famous line from actor Liam Neeson in the “Taken” movies?

“…what I do have are a particular set of skills, skills that I have acquired over a very long career, skills that make me a nightmare for people like you,” said Neeson, playing Byran Mills, an ex-operative in search of his kidnapped daughter.

“That’s fantastic,” laughed Amanda Nalley, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokeswoman. “But, all that’s really required to become a reef ranger is the desire to remove lionfish from Florida reefs and most likely the ability to dive will be one of the skills that you’re required to have.”

Nalley says participants interested in adopting any reef to remove lionfish on a regular basis won’t need skills like Neeson’s—more like diving and spearfishing skills.

Nalley adds research shows consistent removal efforts can help reverse the negative impact lionfish—which have no natural predators—have on affected reefs. To sign up, visit reefrangers.com. So far, 55 people have signed up for the program unveiled about two weeks ago.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.