Dive 1st Aid announced its support for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Lionfish Challenge.
The new support means every registered participant will receive a one-ounce jar of StingMaster topical pain relief cream, so divers have immediate access to proven sting relief during removal activities.
Lionfish are an invasive threat across the Atlantic, Gulf and Caribbean. They reproduce rapidly and lack natural predators. As a result, they endanger native species and reef health. Their venomous spines can inflict severe pain, so preparedness and effective first aid are essential for volunteers and removal teams.
An educational Facebook Live event took place on April 16, 2026, covering marine stings and first-aid strategies. The session featured Dr. Reza Sharif, professor of neuroscience and director of the McGill Pain Research Center. He explained how marine venoms cause pain and outlined rapid relief techniques. Sharif’s research into lionfish venom was instrumental in the development of StingMaster.
Commenting on the support, Dive 1st Aid President Matt Seibert stated:
“Dive 1st Aid is committed not only to supporting the dive community, but also to protecting the environments divers depend on. By partnering with FWC and supporting the Lionfish Challenge, we are helping ensure that participants are equipped with effective tools to manage injuries while contributing to an important conservation effort.”
While Anthony Hart, lionfish program coordinator for the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, added:
“Partnerships like this play a vital role in supporting both participant safety and the success of our removal efforts. Providing StingMaster to our participants helps ensure they are prepared to respond quickly to lionfish stings, allowing them to stay focused on protecting Florida’s reefs.”
You can visit the Lionfish Challenge website or go to Dive 1st Aid to find out more information.
