The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is marking a decade of dedication to combating the invasive lionfish with its 10th annual Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day (LRAD) on Saturday, May 17th.
This crucial day to raise awareness about the negative impacts of lionfish on Florida’s native marine life will be celebrated alongside the annual Lionfish Festival at HarborWalk Village in Destin on May 17th and 18th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. CDT.
This free, two-day outdoor festival offers something for everyone, featuring conservation and art booths, lively music, and an engaging kids’ zone. The event’s highlight will undoubtedly be the Emerald Coast Open, recognized as the world’s largest lionfish tournament.
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A Decade of Awareness:
Established in February 2015 through an FWC resolution, Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day falls on the first Saturday after Mother’s Day each year. This statewide initiative aims to educate the public about the ongoing lionfish invasion and actively encourage removal efforts.
Emerald Coast Open: A High-Stakes Hunt:
For those with a competitive spirit and a passion for conservation, the Emerald Coast Open tournament will run from May 16th to 18th. Offering nearly $100,000 in prizes, the tournament will recognize achievements in categories such as most lionfish caught, largest lionfish, and smallest lionfish. Aspiring participants can find official tournament rules and registration details at EmeraldCoastOpen.com.
Savoring Conservation During Lionfish Restaurant Week:
Leading up to the festival, local chefs in the Destin–Fort Walton Beach area will participate in the Emerald Coast Open Lionfish Restaurant Week.
This culinary initiative provides a unique opportunity to sample delicious lionfish dishes, further raising awareness about the invasive species in the Gulf of America. The Emerald Coast Open Restaurant Week webpage has a schedule and list of participating restaurants.
The Lionfish Challenge: A Summer-Long Effort:
The FWC’s commitment to lionfish removal extends beyond this weekend with the upcoming 2025 Lionfish Challenge. This free, summer-long tournament, open to all, kicks off on May 24th and runs through September 14th.
Since its inception in 2014, the Lionfish Challenge has successfully removed over 1 million lionfish from Florida waters. Individuals interested in joining this impactful effort can register at FWCReefRangers.com.
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