Since 2010, more than 45,000 invasive lionfish have been removed through REEF Lionfish Derbies. We are excited to announce that the following dates and locations have been set for REEF’s 2019 Summer Lionfish Derby Series:

• June 28 – 30: 8th Annual Fort Lauderdale Lionfish Derby at 15th Street Fisheries
• July 12 – 14: 6th Annual Sarasota Lionfish Derby at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium
• Sept.13 – 15: 10th Annual  Upper Keys Lionfish Derby and Festival at Postcard Inn Resort and Marina

This year, participating derby teams will be permitted to sell a portion of their lionfish after the scoring has concluded. Prize categories will include cash awards for most lionfish, largest and smallest lionfish, as well as a special Golden Fish Award. Divers and snorkelers are welcome to compete in removal events, and all derby festivities are open to the public. Mandatory Captain’s Meetings will be held the evening before the competition begins. These meetings are able to be attended remotely. For registration and further information, go to: www.REEF.org/lionfish/derbies.

On derby day, spectators are invited to attend the festivities and sample some lionfish for free! This summer's three derbies will include plenty of fun activities, including lionfish tastings as well as educational fillet and dissection demonstrations. REEF will be hosting a free Lionfish Collecting and Handling Workshop with Sea Experience on June 29, in conjunction with the Fort Lauderdale Lionfish Derby. Click here to register for the workshop. The Sarasota Derby will feature a public tasting event with local chefs preparing their best lionfish dishes. Tickets for this event will be on sale soon! The 10th Annual Upper Keys Derby will include an outdoor environmental festival. Local nonprofits, government agencies and environmentally-minded artisans may register to have a booth at this event. Click here for more information.

Thank you to our derby host venues as well as the following supporters of REEF Lionfish Derbies: Whole Foods Market, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Ocean Reef Conservation Association, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Rainbow Reef Dive Center, Florida Keys Brewing Company, Juliet Sailing and Diving, and Forever Young Charter Company.

We hope to see you at a Lionfish Derby this summer!