REEF Lionfish Collection & Handling Workshops include a classroom portion that covers invasion history, lionfish biology, ecological impacts, current research and collection techniques. Once wrapping up on land, you will have the option put your skills to work during a two-tank dive charter. REEF will provide lionfish collection gear, but you must either bring your own SCUBA gear or organize rental SCUBA gear through the dive operation. Please contact the shop directly before the workshop if you need to organize gear rental. 

Click Here For Charter Registration

Due to the advanced nature of lionfish collection dives, participants must have an advanced dive certification (AOW or higher) and a minimum of 30 logged dives. 

 

Charter Registration 

Participants will have the option to register for the charter through Key Dives at a cost of $101.00 per person. Charter costs, gear rentals, and nitrox amounts can be found here. 

 

Dates & Times 

Wednesday, April 22 - 9:30 AM Classroom, 12:30 PM Dive Check-In

  • Classroom portion:  REEF Ocean Exploration Center - (options for both in person and virtual attendance)
  • Two-Tank Removal Dives:  12:30 PM, Key Dives - 85960 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 

Please note that the classroom portion is mandatory to participate in the removal dives. All participants must also complete a REEF Waiver before participating in the collection dives, as well as all waivers required by Key Dives

REEF Lionfish Workshop Waiver    Key Dives Waiver

Meeting Location 

The classroom background will be held at the REEF Ocean Exploration Center - 98380 Overseas Highway. Please note that there will be an option to attend the classroom both virtually and in-person. 

 

Additional Details 

REEF will provide lionfish collection and handling gear to all participants. You will need to provide your own scuba diving equipment. If you need to rent equipment, you must set that up with the dive operation before the afternoon charter. 

 Divers should plan to tip the crew. They work hard to provide us with a fun and safe experience!

Due to the advanced nature of lionfish collection dives, an advanced dive certification (AOW or higher) and a minimum of 30 logged dives are required for dive participants. You may be put on the waitlist if you do not meet both of these requirements. 

If you are currently on the waitlist, you will be notified immedately if a spot becomes available. The waitlist is for the two-tank dive charter only - the morning classroom is free and does not require a waitlist and is open to anyone wanting to join. 

If you have questions about the workshop, please call our office at 305-852-0030 or email lionfish@REEF.org