The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will host the first annual FWC Pensacola Lionfish Invitational Tournament and Festival from Sept. 24 through Sept. 27 at Plaza de Luna on Palafox Pier.
The four-day event combines a competitive removal tournament with a public festival to address the spread of invasive lionfish in local waters. Festival attendees will have access to family activities, raffles, educational exhibits about lionfish, and opportunities to taste the fish.
According to wildlife officials, lionfish pose a significant threat to Florida’s marine ecosystems and native reef populations. The non-native species reproduces quickly and outcompetes native fish for food and habitat…