The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced that Pensacola will host the inaugural FWC Pensacola Lionfish Invitational Tournament and Festival from September 24 through September 27. The event will take place at Plaza de Luna on Palafox Pier, offering both a competitive removal tournament and a public festival aimed at curbing the spread of invasive lionfish in local waters.
Why Lionfish Matter
Lionfish, a non‑native marine predator, reproduce rapidly and outcompete native reef fish for food and habitat. Wildlife officials warn that unchecked populations threaten Florida’s marine ecosystems and the health of native reef communities. By organizing a tournament that encourages divers to remove as many lionfish as possible, the FWC hopes to make a measurable impact while educating the public about the importance of marine conservation.
Festival Features
Festival attendees will enjoy a range of family activities, including raffles, educational exhibits about lionfish biology and control methods, and opportunities to taste lionfish prepared by local chefs. The event is designed to bring together divers, conservationists, and community members in a shared effort to protect the Gulf’s marine environment.
How to Participate
Competitive registration is open to individual divers and teams of up to four participants. Multiple teams may fish from the same vessel, but rosters lock at the close of registration with no substitutions allowed. To guarantee specific shirt sizes, participants must register by August 21. The final deadline for all paid registrations is 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, and registration is required for prize eligibility.
Divers who have already taken part in the 2026 FWC Lionfish Challenge and have logged at least one fish qualify for a discounted registration fee, pending verification of their prior participation.
Registration Details
Rules, registration forms, and the full festival schedule are available at ReefRangers.MyFWC.com/LionfishInvitational. The site provides detailed information on tournament guidelines, safety protocols, and the educational components of the festival.
Community Impact
Local officials and conservation groups view the tournament as a practical way to involve the community in environmental stewardship. By turning removal efforts into a friendly competition, the FWC hopes to inspire ongoing participation in lionfish control beyond the four‑day event.
“Conservation is a community effort, and every lionfish removed makes a difference,” the agency stated in its announcement. The event underscores Pensacola’s commitment to protecting its coastal resources while offering a unique recreational experience for residents and visitors alike.
Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.
