DESTIN, Fla. – The 2022 Lionfish Removal and Awareness Festival is May 14 and 15 at HarborWalk Village in Destin.
Locals and visitors alike are invited to participate in the eighth annual event and celebrate the fight against invasive lionfish with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Destin–Fort Walton Beach.
Activities include fillet demonstrations, family-friendly games and activities, art, diving, and conservation booths.
The Emerald Coast Open, the world’s largest lionfish spearfishing tournament, is also taking place.
Satisfy your taste buds by visiting any of the restaurants participating in Lionfish Restaurant Week (May 8-14) for your chance to try this delicious invasive fish.
Have old fishing line that you need to get rid of? Bring it with you to the festival and drop it off at one of our monofilament collection bins to be recycled.
The first Saturday after Mother’s Day each year is Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day in Florida. FWC hosts the Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day (LRAD) Festival on this date each year to continue to raise awareness about the lionfish invasion.
The two-day festival is typically headquartered in the Panhandle with satellite events occurring around the state.
The festival brings in thousands of visitors each year to learn about lionfish, taste samples, and enjoy various events and vendors.
Harborwalk Village is at 34 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 3254.
Links
Support Florida lionfish control programs by purchasing new Rep Your Water lionfish hats at Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida.
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/fwcreefrangers
Website:
- FWCReefRangers.com
- MyFWC.com/Lionfis
David Connerth is the 2020 Lionfish Challenge recreational winner/Lionfish King. (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK
