Coastal Resources

Divers remove more than 20,000 lionfish from the Gulf during Emerald Coast Open

Over 100 divers from across the country descended on Destin-Fort Walton Beach to harvest thousands of invasive lionfish during the world's largest lionfish tournament.

Jared Williams

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More than 20,000 lionfish were pulled from the Gulf during the 2026 Emerald Coast Open, as over 100 divers from across the United States worked to thin the invasive species from the area’s vast artificial reef system.

The tournament, which has drawn divers to Destin-Fort Walton Beach since 2019, included a pre-tournament harvest of 5,734 lionfish followed by a two-day main event that yielded 15,018 — bringing the total to 20,752. Lionfish were measured and weighed behind AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar, with the nearby Lionfish Festival hosted by HarborWalk Village.

“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. “What our natural resources staff and partners have been able to do is remarkable. They have created a festive event for the community that also gives back to our marine ecosystem.”

Divers competed in teams for more than $100,000 in cash and gear prizes provided by event partners across categories including smallest lionfish, largest lionfish and most lionfish caught.

Team DWM Off the Deep End took the $10,000 first-place prize for most lionfish with 2,641.
Lady Ray claimed the $5,000 prize for largest lionfish at 461 mm.
Nole Mercy Spearfishing earned $5,000 for the smallest at 56 mm.
Trenlon Harris won $1,000 in the “Guess how many lionfish will be caught?” contest, guessing 15,014 — just four off the actual total of 15,018.

La Paz Restaurante & Cantina accepts the 2026 Restaurant Week first-place award for best lionfish cuisine, marking the restaurant’s fourth consecutive win. (Photo courtesy of Okaloosa County)

Local restaurants also competed for best lionfish cuisine during Restaurant Week, which led up to the main tournament. La Paz Restaurante & Cantina took the top honor for the fourth year in a row.

The tournament coincided with the Lionfish Festival at HarborWalk Village and Restaurant Week, which produced a variety of lionfish-inspired dishes.

Lionfish are an invasive species with few known predators in the Gulf. Hook and line fishing is not as effective at catching them due to their leisurely nature, making divers armed with spears the preferred method of removal.

A complete list of standings is available at emeraldcoastopen.com.

Team DWM Off the Deep End celebrates with the $10,000 first-place check after catching the most lionfish — 2,641 — at the 2026 Emerald Coast Open. (Photo courtesy of Okaloosa County)

Nole Mercy Spearfishing holds the $5,000 check for catching the smallest lionfish at 56 mm during the 2026 Emerald Coast Open. (Photo courtesy of Okaloosa County)

Team Lady Ray poses with the $5,000 first-place check for catching the largest lionfish at 461 mm during the 2026 Emerald Coast Open. (Photo courtesy of Okaloosa County)

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