This weekend in Orange Beach is Lions on the Line: Alabama’s own lionfish derby. The event is a partnership between NUISANCE Group, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Marine Resources Division, Eat Alabama Seafood, and the Flora-Bama Marina and aims to raise awareness about this invasive fish species and show how other underutilized species can be sustainably eaten.

Divers may register in teams of 2-4 with the registration being $125 per team (included in the fee is a limited edition Guy Harvey “Lions on the Line” t-shirt for each team member). Teams will compete for more than $3500 in cash and other prizes such as most lionfish, largest lionfish and smallest lionfish.

There will be a mandatory safety meeting at the Flora-Bama Ole River Bar the evening of Thursday, Sept. 22, complete with lionfish dinner specials. Spearing will begin the following morning at sunrise and continue until the weigh stations close at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24.

The weigh-in station at the Flora-Bama Marina will be open Friday, Sept. 23 from 3 – 6 p.m. and from 12 – 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24.

There will also be a World Food Championship-qualifying culinary competition where chefs will be preparing their best modified surf and turf consisting of lionfish and steak. Samples will be served up for everyone and Black Forty Beer will be providing a special Lionfish Lager for the occasion.

Spearfishermen can keep their catch, sell to commercial dealers (providing they possess the appropriate license) or donate it to the culinary competition.

More information can be found on Gulf Shores' website.

Be sure to check out the rest of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach's sites between dives with our handy guide.