The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has announced the 10th annual Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day, set for Saturday, May 17. The event aims to address the impact of lionfish, an invasive species that threatens native marine life and habitats. The public is invited to participate in the Lionfish Festival from May 17–18 at HarborWalk Village in Destin.
The festival is free and open to all, featuring conservation booths, art displays, live music, a kid’s zone, and the Emerald Coast Open lionfish tournament. The FWC established Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day in February 2015 to promote awareness and removal efforts against lionfish. It takes place annually on the first Saturday after Mother’s Day.
The Emerald Coast Open will occur from May 16–18 with categories for most lionfish caught, largest lionfish, and smallest lionfish. Nearly $100,000 in prizes are available. Tournament details can be found at EmeraldCoastOpen.com.
Lionfish Restaurant Week will showcase local chefs preparing unique dishes with lionfish at various restaurants in Destin-Fort Walton Beach leading up to the event. Information about participating restaurants is available on the Emerald Coast Open Restaurant Week webpage.
Additionally, the 2025 Lionfish Challenge begins soon. This summer-long tournament hosted by FWC encourages participants to remove lionfish from Florida waters. Since its inception in 2014, over one million lionfish have been removed through this program. Registration for the challenge starts on May 24 at FWCReefRangers.com.
For more information or questions regarding these events, contact the FWC Division of Marine Fisheries Management at 850-487-0554.
