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INDIAN RIVER COUNTY FLORIDA <br />BOARD MEMORANDUM <br />TO: Joseph A. Baird, County Administrator <br />THROUGH: Christopher R. Mora, P.E., Public Works Directop� <br />THROUGH: Richard B. Szpyrka, P.E., Assistant Public Works Directo <br />THROUGH: James D. Gray, Jr., Coastal Engineer® <br />FROM: Kendra L. Cope, M.S., Environmental Specialis w,L <br />SUBJECT: UPDATE - May 14, 2016 Sebastian Lionfish Fest <br />DATE: May 17, 2016 <br />REQUEST <br />It is requested_ that the following information be given formal consideration by the Board of <br />County Commissioners during the regularly scheduled meeting on May 24, 2016. <br />This is an announcement to inform the residents of Indian River County about the success of the <br />event and the summary of people impacted and fish removed. Additional information is on the <br />event website SebastianLionfishFest.com and the County Facebook page: 2016 Sebastian <br />Lionfish Fest. <br />BACKGROUND <br />The red lionfish is an invasive species native to the Indo-Pacific Ocean. Following their <br />introduction and subsequent population increases in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, the <br />lionfish population is now growing exponentially, causing negative impacts on indigenous marine <br />ecosystems and fish, and indirectly economic impacts across the state. As a result, several <br />Florida organizations, including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) are <br />promoting and sponsoring lionfish fishing tournaments and educational events throughout the <br />State. <br />At the January 12th Commission meeting the board made a motion to become a supporting <br />sponsor of the inaugural Sebastian Lionfish Fest. Since that meeting staff worked alongside the <br />Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce and staff of Captain Hiram's to organize a fun <br />interactive two-part event focused around removal (Fishing Tournament) and public awareness <br />(cook -off and eating) of the invasive lionfish. <br />The event was held on May 14, 2016, the official lionfish removal and awareness day declared by <br />FWC, at Captain Hiram's, Sebastian, Florida. <br />F:\Public Works\Kendra Cope\Lionfish Fest\Commission Meeting Items\Informational <br />Item\Public Notice Informational BOCC Agenda Item --Sebastian Lionfish Fest <br />05_24_16_final.docx 11 <br />