The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) 2026 Lionfish Challenge will begin on May 22 and continue through Sept. 14. The event replaces previous competition categories with new awards designed to engage a wider range of participants. The FWC announced the changes on May 1, 2026, as part of its ongoing efforts to control invasive lionfish populations along the Space Coast and throughout Florida’s coastal waters.
The challenge now includes awards for male and female recreational participants, commercial fishers, and junior harvesters under 18. A new category recognizes active-duty service members and veterans. The Lionfish King and Queen titles will be given to top male and female recreational competitors, while the Commercial Champion award honors the highest catch in the commercial division. A Junior Harvester category and a Veteran Champion award expand opportunities for younger and military-affiliated participants.
The FWC also added recognition for the Top Supporter and Top Checkpoint Participant. These roles highlight individuals and groups contributing to lionfish removal efforts beyond direct harvesting. Checkpoints are locations where divers and fishermen report their catches, providing data to track the invasive species’ spread.
Participants can register and learn more at ReefRangers.MyFWC.com/Lionfi. The challenge is part of a statewide initiative to reduce lionfish numbers, which threaten native marine life and coral reefs. The event has grown since its inception in 2013, with Brevard County hosting multiple checkpoints along the coast. The FWC says lionfish removals in the area have increased by 40% in the past five years.
The new categories aim to make the challenge more inclusive. Last year’s event saw over 2,000 participants across Florida, with Brevard County accounting for nearly 30% of the total catch. The FWC says the expanded awards will help sustain momentum as the program enters its 14th year.