Florida's Lionfish Challenge sets a record with 36,187 lionfish removed

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has wrapped up its annual Lionfish Challenge with its best numbers since the program started. In an Oct. 19 release, FWC said 533 registered participants took 36,187 lionfish over 1,468 dive trips. That is more than 5,000 above the 2025 challenge.

FWC recognized six champions this year. Hunter Ledbetter of Monroe County was Lionfish King with 1,541 lionfish and, as a Marine Corps veteran, also took the Veteran Champion title. Helen Rodney of Broward County was Lionfish Queen with 1,488. David Garrett of Volusia County won the commercial title with 1,136 pounds, Meagan Huffman of Texas was Junior Champion with 185 fish, and Dive Pros in Pensacola was the top checkpoint, accepting more than 5,000 lionfish tails.

FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto said removing that many invasive lionfish takes pressure off native marine species. The challenge is free, and divers can compete from anywhere in the state. More information is at ReefRangers.MyFWC.com.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: FWC — FWC Lionfish Challenge sets a new standard (Oct. 19, 2026).