Festival, food, and fierce diving highlight Emerald Coast Open weekend in Okaloosa County
Destin, Florida – Once again, Destin–Fort Walton Beach is preparing for the Emerald Coast Open, the world’s biggest lionfish removal contest, scheduled to dive into action from May 16 to 18, 2025. What began as a local attempt to reduce the invasive lionfish population in Gulf waters has exploded into a big competition, with more than $100,000 in prize money on the line and divers traveling from all corners of the country to take part.
Building on the momentum of last year’s success, organizers hope participants to surpass 2024’s count of around 12,000 lionfish collected by just over 100 divers. Competitors will dive into three primary categories: netting the smallest prizewinner, landing the largest specimen, and harvesting the most fish. Every prize offers not only cash but also bragging rights in one of the most vibrant marine conservation activities on the Gulf Coast.
“Each year the Emerald Coast Open demonstrates the very best in how our businesses and diving community collaborate to create an exciting atmosphere for residents and visitors who attend this event,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon. “I applaud the efforts of our Natural Resources team who bring a high level of energy to this event every year and the effort they put in to educate the public about this invasive species.”
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The competition is just one facet of the activity. Starting this weekend, Emerald Coast Open Restaurant Week encourages local chefs to showcase creative lionfish recipes at various venues. A team of judges will name the best restaurant at week’s end; diners may try all from pan-seared fillets to lionfish tacos.
Meanwhile, the free Lionfish Festival will unfold along Destin’s HarborWalk Village on May 17. Families can look at booths run by conservation organizations, go to brief lectures on ecosystem preservation, listen to live music, and let the children participate in marine-themed crafts and activities. It’s an opportunity to understand why the health of local fisheries depends so much on the removal of these voracious predators and to enjoy doing it. You can view the schedule here.
Winners will be honored at AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar when the nets are tallied on May 18; rewards of cash and trophies will be given in a festive mood.
“The Emerald Coast Open tournament not only helps remove invasive lionfish, keeping our fisheries healthy but also provides valuable education and awareness through the Festival and Restaurant Week,” said Alex Fogg, Natural Resources Chief. “Marine conservation is a key component of Destin-Fort Walton Beach’s tourism initiatives, and these events help maintain the health of our waters and marine life.”
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Registration information, official policies, and the whole event calendar are all available at emeraldcoastopen.com for anyone ready to plunge in—whether as participants or spectators. More details on Destin–Fort Walton Beach accommodation and attractions can be found at destinfwb.com.
