Destin-Fort Walton Beach to host World’s Largest Lionfish Tournament
Divers from across the country will be descending on the beautiful Gulf of Mexico waters, May 17-19, 2024, for the main event of Destin-Fort Walton Beach’s Emerald Coast Open, the world’s largest lionfish tournament. This competitive event creates an opportunity for divers to compete for prizes, while also helping the ecosystem recover from the invasive lionfish species that prey upon native fish. Divers are allowed to begin harvesting lionfish from sunrise to sunset and will be competing with more than
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Receives Prestigious Designation from Destinations International
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism was recently awarded the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) seal with distinction by Destinations International in recognition of the organization's commitment to industry excellence and meeting the industry standard for performance and accountability of destination organizations around the world. “This accreditation is a huge achievement for our County and our local tourism industry,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Trey Goodwin. “It demonstrates our
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism Participates in Unique Whale Shark Tagging Effort
The Coastal Resource team with Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism in Okaloosa County recently participated in a collaborative effort that led to the tagging of two whale sharks, Ivey and Oliver, in the Gulf of Mexico south of Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida. This unique research opportunity was successful due to a joint effort between, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the University of Southern Mississippi, Okaloosa County’s Coastal Resource team, and the fishing community. “We
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Sets New Records at World’s Largest Lionfish Tournament
Divers participating in the 5th Annual Emerald Coast Open Lionfish Tournament set a new record with the successful removal of 24,699 lionfish. Last year’s total was 13,835. Divers from around the country competed for prize money totaling over $100,000 in an effort to eradicate this invasive species in the Gulf of Mexico. Lionfish have few known predators due to their venomous spines. “Okaloosa County continues to be a leader in helping to create sustainable marine ecosystems,” said Okaloosa County Board
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Deploys 180-ft Vessel for Artificial Reef Program
The Okaloosa County Tourist Development Department (TDD) Destin-Fort Walton Beach Tourism continues to focus their efforts on ecotourism with the deployment of the research vessel R/V MANTA. This expansion supports a long-term vision of continuing to grow as a sought-after destination for those seeking premier fishing and diving opportunities. The deployment of R/V MANTA took place approximately 16 nautical miles offshore on January 15, 2023. The sister ship, R/V DOLPHIN is set to deploy in the weeks
