WILLEMSTAD - Last Saturday, October 25th, the annual Curaçao Lionfish Derby 2025 took place, organized by Lionfish Caribbean. A total of 52 divers participated in the competition and together they removed an impressive 561 lionfish from the reef — adding up to 116 kilograms of these invasive predators.

Not only local teams joined the event; divers from the United States and the Netherlands also traveled to Curaçao especially for this annual tradition.

The race for first place was incredibly close. Ronald Overeem and Theo Hartgers took the win with 15.8 kilograms, just ahead of Dunja Zinnert and Remco Visbeen, who brought in 14.9 kilograms — a difference of barely three fish. The largest lionfish of the day was caught by Rovian Carolina, measuring 42.1 centimeters.

Alongside the competition, there was also an Ocean & Conservation Market, where several local nature organizations were present to share information about their work. Among them were Sea Turtle Conservation Curaçao, the Branch Coral Foundation, and the Queen Conch Hatchery, who explained their projects and how everyone can help contribute to a healthier ocean.

The Curaçao Lionfish Derby is not only about competition, but above all about awareness. By catching lionfish, divers help protect the reef from this voracious invader, which can quickly wipe out large numbers of local reef fish.

The organization looks back proudly on a successful edition and thanks all divers, volunteers, partners, and environmental organizations who made this event possible.