Nate Sorensen’s Lionfish-Culling Enterprise Targets Florida’s Invasive Threat

Tattoo artist and vegan Nate Sorensen runs the nonprofit Lionfish Extermination Corp., a Florida-based operation that spears invasive lionfish on scuba dives, sells the catch to restaurants, and funds its activities through donations and merchandise. Using a pole spear, an underwater scooter and a boat named *The Lion Slayer*, Sorensen and dive partner Alex Borsutzky have reported hauling up to 100 lb of lionfish per day, with the largest specimens about 18 in. Their videos, punctuated by “Boom!” sound effects and comic-style graphics, have attracted 2.5 million followers across social platforms.

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Lionfish, native to the South Pacific and Indian Ocean, were first recorded off Florida in the 1980s, likely after release from an aquarium. NOAA notes that females can release up to 2 million eggs annually and reproduce every four days. Without natural predators, lionfish consume more than 70 species of small fish and invertebrates, disrupting reef food webs and threatening species that clean coral and support commercial fisheries.

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• NOAA estimates lionfish can live at depths of up to 1,000 ft, beyond typical diver reach.

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• The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reports that more than 1 million lionfish have been harvested in the state since 2010.

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• In the most recent annual hunt, over 500 participants removed more than 30,000 lionfish between May and September.

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• A western Caribbean study found a single diver could reduce lionfish numbers by 90 % in a 1,000-m² area after 2.5 hours of diving.

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The agency highlights that there is no daily catch limit, the hunting season runs year-round, and recreational divers need no license, while commercial divers require a license. Commercial operations supply restaurants with lionfish used in sushi, tacos and other dishes, with Sorensen noting prices of up to $20 per pound for larger fish.

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Sorensen’s dives showcase Florida’s reef biodiversity, including fluorescent green moray eels, spotted eagle rays, turtles and nurse sharks. He also highlights encounters with a resident goliath grouper named Wilbur, describing the fish as “an ambassador for the species.” In safety warnings, Sorensen advises would-be hunters to have proper equipment and containers, stressing that spearing lionfish is “not a funny matter” and can be dangerous.

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While the FWC and several studies suggest culling reduces local lionfish density, NOAA predicts the overall population will continue to grow. Alastair Harborne, an associate professor at Florida International University, notes evidence that culling lowers density but hypothesizes the population may have reached an equilibrium after its 2000s boom. No definitive data confirm whether current removal rates are sufficient to halt the species’ northward expansion as ocean temperatures rise.

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• “There’s some evidence that culling does reduce the local density of (lion)fish on the reefs,” — Alastair Harborne

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• “Since moving here, there does seem to be fewer lionfish in shallow water than you might potentially expect,” — Alastair Harborne

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The FWC will announce the 2026 Lionfish Challenge winners later this month, continuing its incentive program to boost diver participation. Sorensen plans to expand his outreach across the Caribbean, increase restaurant sales of lionfish, and explore a reality-TV series to further promote culling and consumption of the invasive species.

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