Talk, Target and Taste Lionfish

It's lionfish time!!! Festivals, tournaments, tastings and challenges

The weather is warming and it's that time of year again, time to talk, target and taste everything lionfish. Learn more below about how you can join the battle against this nonnative invasive species.

The Festival and Tournament

Join the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau in Destin May 18 and 19 for the fifth annual Lionfish Removal and Awareness Festival at AJ's Seafood and Oyster Bar and HarborWalk Village.

Featuring:

• Fillet demonstrations.



• Family-friendly games and activities.



• Art, diving and conservation booths.



• Live music.



• Weigh-in and awards of the world's largest lionfish spearfishing tournament, the Emerald Coast Open. Register today for your chance to win some great prizes.

Interested in being a volunteer or sponsor? To learn more, click here. Thanks to our Gold sponsor, Reef Safe Suncare for their generous support.

Restaurant Week

Try lionfish during Lionfish Restaurant Week at any of the participating locations:

May 13: Brotula's Seafood House & Steamer

May 14: Jackacudas Seafood & Sushi

May 15: The Crab Trap – Destin

May 16: AJ's Seafood and Oyster Bar

Learn more by visiting FWCReefRangers.com.

The Challenge

The 2019 Lionfish Challenge removal incentive program will begin May 18 and continue through Labor Day (Sept. 2). This year participants who submit the largest and smallest lionfish may be eligible to receive up to $3,000 in cash prizes thanks to support from sponsors: American Sportfishing Association, Yamaha Motor Company, Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County and National Marine Manufacturers Association. More details on how to get rewarded for your harvest at FWCReefRangers.com.

What is Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day?

Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day (the first Saturday after Mother's Day each year) raises awareness about lionfish; a nonnative, invasive species that has the potential to negatively impact native species and habitat.

Questions?

Contact the FWC Division of Marine Fisheries Management at 850-487-0554.

Links

Support Florida lionfish control programs by purchasing new Rep Your Water lionfish hats at Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida or 2019 Guy Harvey Lionfish apparel.