DESTIN-FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — More than 20,000 invasive lionfish were reportedly removed from Gulf waters during the 2026 Emerald Coast Open, an annual tournament and festival held in Destin-Fort Walton Beach earlier this month.
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According to organizers, more than 100 divers from across the United States participated in the event, harvesting lionfish from the artificial reef system in and around Destin-Fort Walton Beach.
The Emerald Coast Open included a pre-tournament round in which divers reportedly removed 5,734 lionfish. During the main two-day tournament, divers harvested another 15,018 lionfish, bringing the total to 20,752.
Lionfish were measured and weighed behind AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar while HarborWalk Village hosted the nearby Lionfish Festival. The event also coincided with Restaurant Week, which featured lionfish-inspired dishes from local restaurants.
“This free family-friendly event has brought divers from across the country to our amazing area since 2019,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Trey Goodwin.
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“What our natural resources staff and partners have been able to do is remarkable,” Mr Goodwin said. “They have created a festive event for the community that also gives back to our marine ecosystem.”
Divers competed for more than $100,000 in cash and gear prizes provided by tournament partners. Categories included most lionfish caught, largest lionfish, and smallest lionfish.
Tournament winners included:
- Most Lionfish — DWM Off the Deep End with 2,641 lionfish
- Largest Lionfish — Lady Ray with a 461 mm lionfish
- Smallest Lionfish — Nole Mercy Spearfishing with a 56 mm lionfish
- Restaurant Week Winner — La Paz Restaurante & Cantina, which won for the fourth consecutive year
Organizers also awarded a $1,000 prize to Trenlon Harris for correctly guessing the tournament catch total within four fish. Mr Harris guessed 15,014 lionfish, while the actual tournament haul was 15,018.
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According to organizers, lionfish are an invasive species in Gulf waters with few natural predators. Officials said divers using spears are generally more effective at harvesting lionfish than traditional hook-and-line fishing methods.
The Emerald Coast Open is said to be the world’s largest lionfish tournament and is part of ongoing natural resource efforts in Destin-Fort Walton Beach.
For more information about the Emerald Coast Open, visit the tournament website.
