Union Island Fishermen last Friday, 29th march, 2016, took all the top prizes in the 5th annual Mayreau Regatta Lionfish Derby, sponsored by St. Vincent and the Grenadines Yellow Pages, beating out competitors from Mayreau and Canouan.

A release from the organisers says four boats brought in 208 lionfish.

The team from 'Grenadines Dive' on Union Island took top honours in the most heads category, bringing in 69. 'Team Kevisha', Captained by Kevin (Blackie) Ryan brought in 64 for 2nd place and Mayreau’s 'Marion', captained by Samuel Forde, brought in 52.

In the biggest Lionfish category, 'Team Kevisha' brought in a whopping Lionfish that measured 16 1/3 inches. Team 'Skipper', captained by Elmore Snagg of Canouan, captured a Lionfish of more than 15 1/2 inches long and 'Marion' from Mayreau captured 3rd place with a Lionfish measuring 14 2/3 inches long.

'Grenadines Dive' found the smallest Lionfish, which was less than 4 1/2 inches from lips to end of tail. 'Kevisha' came second, just edging out 'Skipper' by a single millimeter. Their smallest Lionfish each were 142 and 143 millimeters respectively.