Wendy White is an avid diver from the Panhandle of Florida, with over ten years of experience exploring the beautiful underwater world. Based out of Panama City, Florida, Wendy’s love for diving has evolved over the years, and she has found a unique way to merge her passion for our waters with conservation efforts.
About four years ago, Wendy began lionfish hunting as part of her diving adventures. What started as a fun challenge quickly became a significant part of her diving routine. Lionfishing, is not only an exciting and engaging activity but also an essential part of preserving the health of the region’s coral reefs. Wendy embraces the opportunity to remove these invasive species from the waters, as lionfish are known to disrupt local ecosystems by consuming small fish and invertebrates.
One of the highlights of Wendy’s lionfishing journey is her participation in the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Lionfish Challenge. The annual event has been a fantastic way for her to engage with the diving community while contributing to the cause. She loves the sense of accomplishment as the number of lionfish removed climbs during the challenge, and the prizes are a nice touch. The bragging rights that come with each year’s competition add to the fun and camaraderie of the event.
An unexpected aspect of Wendy’s lionfishing adventures is the bond it has strengthened with her husband, who also serves as her best dive buddy. Together, they spear these “silly beauties” that, despite their venomous nature, seem to pose and flutter gracefully in the water, allowing Wendy to capture moments on camera before she removes them from the ecosystem.
Wendy is deeply grateful for the FWC Lionfish Challenge and the opportunity to contribute to the protection of local marine life. Through her dedication, she continues to raise awareness about the importance of removing lionfish from Florida’s waters, all while enjoying the thrill of the dive and providing fresh, sustainable meals for her family.
She is proud to be part of the initiative and looks forward to many more years of diving, spearfishing, and contributing to the health of the Gulf.
