TALLAHASSEE, FL — More than 36,000 invasive lionfish were removed from Florida waters during the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) annual Lionfish Challenge, setting a new record since the program began. According to the FWC, 533 registered participants completed 1,468 dive trips during the summer-long competition, removing more than 5,000 additional lionfish compared to the 2025 challenge.
The annual competition encourages recreational divers and commercial harvesters to help control invasive lionfish populations, which threaten native marine species and Florida’s underwater ecosystems.
“The record-breaking success of the Lionfish Challenge demonstrates the powerful conservation impact of collective action,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. “By removing 36,187 invasive lionfish from Florida’s waters, participants are helping reduce pressure on native marine species, protect biodiversity, and preserve the health of our precious marine ecosystems.”
According to the FWC, this year’s competition expanded to recognize six championship categories, highlighting the contributions of participants from across Florida and beyond.
The 2026 Lionfish Challenge winners include:
- Lionfish King: Hunter Ledbetter of Monroe County, who removed 1,541 lionfish.
- Lionfish Queen: Helen Rodney of Broward County, who harvested 1,488 lionfish.
- Commercial Champion: David Garrett of Volusia County, who removed 1,136 pounds of lionfish.
- Junior Champion: Meagan Huffman of Texas, who removed 185 lionfish.
- Veteran Champion: Hunter Ledbetter, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, who also earned the top military/veteran recognition.
- Top Checkpoint: Dive Pros in Pensacola, which collected more than 5,000 lionfish tails throughout the competition.
“We are beyond thankful for the support of our staff, sponsors, and the community that played a part in this achievement,” said FWC Marine Fisheries Management Director Jessica McCawley. “This year’s Challenge showcased the impact that recreational divers and commercial harvesters make to protect Florida’s marine ecosystems.”
Lionfish are an invasive species that pose a significant threat to Florida’s marine environment. They feed on native fish and compete with other marine species for resources, disrupting the natural balance of reef ecosystems.
The FWC Lionfish Challenge is held annually and is free to enter. Divers can participate from anywhere in Florida, with prizes awarded throughout the competition based on the number of invasive lionfish removed.
For more information about the program and future competitions, visit ReefRangers.MyFWC.com.
