FWC News

Showing 1 through 10 of 59 articles for tag invasive

• Join us this July for the 2025 Florida Python Challenge™

  Monday, June 16, 2025 -  The 10-day competition, running from July 11-20 and hosted by the FWC and South Florida Water Management District, features an Ultimate Grand Prize of $10,000 for the registered participant who removes the most pythons.

• FWC Commissioners approve proposed rule changes for nonnative species

  Wednesday, May 21, 2025 -  Invasive species management is a high priority for the FWC because these animals negatively impact native fish and wildlife, cause damage that is costly to repair, and can pose a threat to human health and safety.

• Registration now open for the 2025 Florida Python Challenge™  

  Thursday, May 15, 2025 -  Visit FLPythonChallenge.org to register for the competition, take the required online training, view the optional training opportunities, learn more about Burmese pythons and the unique Everglades ecosystem, and find resources for planning your trip to south Florida to participate in the 2025 Florida Python Challenge™. 

• Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day and Festival     

  Tuesday, May 13, 2025 -  Everyone is invited to celebrate LRAD at this year’s Lionfish Festival, which will be held May 17–18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. CDT at HarborWalk Village in Destin.

• FWC Applauds Governor DeSantis’ Recommended Budget for Prioritizing Florida’s Natural Resources

  Monday, February 3, 2025 -  Recommendations include $30 million to Restore Apalachicola’s Oyster Habitat, $10 Million for Shooting Sports Facilities, and $10 million for Artificial Reefs

• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Celebrates 2024 Achievements in Conservation

  Friday, December 20, 2024 -  Recognized for its world-class fishing, hunting and outdoor experiences, the state has made preserving its natural resources a top priority, ensuring they remain accessible for future generations.

• FWC announces results and winners of the 2024 Florida Python Challenge™

  Tuesday, September 17, 2024 -  This year, 857 participants from 33 states and Canada helped support Everglades conservation by collectively removing 195 invasive Burmese pythons from south Florida as part of the competition, with the Ultimate Grand Prize winner removing a total of 20 pythons.

• Record-breaking year as 2024 FWC Lionfish Challenge crowns Recreational King and Commercial Champion

  Friday, September 13, 2024 -  The 2024 Lionfish Challenge witnessed an increase in participation, with 285 dedicated divers submitting their lionfish harvests. These dedicated divers embarked on over 700 trips throughout the state during the Challenge and removed 31,773 lionfish from the waters of Florida.

• FWC: The 2024 Florida Python Challenge™ kicks off Aug. 9!

  Thursday, August 8, 2024 -  The annual competition offers the public an opportunity to get directly involved in Everglades conservation through invasive species removal, with this year’s event running until 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 18.

• ICYMI: Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez Announces Registration Is Open for the 2024 Florida Python Challenge®

  Thursday, May 30, 2024 -  Participants this year will have the chance to win a share of more than $25,000 in prizes for removing invasive Burmese pythons from the wild.