Record-Breaking Lionfish Challenge Removes More Than 30,000 Invasive Fish

The 2025 FWC Lionfish Challenge reached a major milestone with its 10-year anniversary. Divers from across the state fought until the very last moment to earn the titles of Lionfish King and Commercial Champion.

More than 500 divers embarked on 1,104 dive trips to remove more than 30,000 invasive lionfish during the summer-long tournament. Participants raced to collect the most lionfish and turn them in at statewide checkpoints. The more lionfish submitted, the more prizes divers received. Paul Carlson of Palm Beach County earned the prestigious title of Lionfish King in the Recreational Division by removing 1,542 lionfish over 73 dive trips. Kris Anderson of Texas followed closely with 1,098 lionfish removed over 36 trips to earn second place. Helen Rodney, from Broward County, won third place by removing 962 lionfish.

Donald Vautrinot of Walton County earned the title of Commercial Champion by removing a whopping 1,161.04 pounds of lionfish from our Florida waters. Matt Myers of Jacksonville earned second place by removing 803 pounds of lionfish, and David Garrett of Volusia County took third place with 754 pounds of lionfish removed during the tournament.

• Lionfish King (First Place Recreational Division): Paul Carlson (Palm Beach) – 1,542 Lionfish
• Second Place Recreational Division: Kris Anderson (Texas) – 1,098 Lionfish
• Third Place Recreational Division: Helen Rodney (Broward) – 962 Lionfish
• Commercial Champion (First Place Commercial Division): Donald Vautrinot (Walton) – 1,161.04 pounds of lionfish
• Second Place Commercial Division: Matt Myers (Duval) – 803 pounds of lionfish
• Third Place Commercial Division: David Garrett (Volusia) – 754 pounds of lionfish

“Congratulations to our 2025 Lionfish King and Commercial Champion,” said Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Executive Director Roger Young, “The diving community across our state plays a vital role in promoting conservation and raising awareness of this invasive species.”

"Every year, we are blown away by the enthusiastic participation during the Lionfish Challenge,” said FWC Division of Marine Fisheries Management Director Jessica McCawley. “We want to extend our gratitude to all the 2025 participants for their dedication to a thriving and healthy Florida marine ecosystem.”

• RELATED: Lionfish Update: Latest on the Menace of Florida Reefs

The rising number of lionfish tournaments statewide reflects the commitment and conservation efforts of Florida's divers. Excitement is already brewing for the 2026 FWC Lionfish Challenge.

Invasive Lionfish Background

The Lionfish Challenge is a summer-long tournament that rewards divers for their lionfish harvests. It is open to everyone, is completely free to enter and participants can compete from anywhere in the state of Florida. Divers receive prizes throughout the Challenge based on the number of lionfish they harvest and compete for the prestigious title of Lionfish King/Queen or Commercial Champion. The FWC encourages divers, anglers, and commercial harvesters to remove lionfish in Florida waters to help limit negative impacts to native marine life and ecosystems.

Lionfish Links

• Learn more about lionfish: myfwc.com/lionfish.
• Want to participate, but missed this year? Keep up to date with our lionfish programs on our FWC Reef Rangers Facebook page and be the first to know when registration opens for 2026 at: facebook.com/fwcreefrangers.

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