(Guess the number of lionfish that will be caught and win $1,000 via this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ECO2025)
Divers from across the country will compete for over $100,000 in prizes. The event builds upon the success of previous years, with the goal of helping to manage the invasive lionfish population in the Gulf waters.
In the 2024 tournament, more than 100 divers harvested nearly 12,000 lionfish, and this year’s event is expected to surpass those numbers. Competitors will vie for top prizes in categories for the smallest, largest, and most lionfish.
The Emerald Coast Open features a variety of events in addition to the main tournament, including a pre-tournament, Restaurant Week and the Lionfish Festival.
Leading up to the tournament, Emerald Coast Open Restaurant Week showcases local chefs’ uniquely crafted lionfish dishes for the public to enjoy. Each dish will be judged, and the winning local restaurant will be crowned at the end of the week.
The Lionfish Festival is free to the public and will take place along HarborWalk Village in Destin, featuring conservation-focused vendors, educational talks, music, and fun activities for children and their families. Tournament awards will be announced on May 18 at AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar.
For official tournament rules, registration and more information, visit: www.emeraldcoastopen.com.
