This workshop is intended for dive professionals and avid recreational divers interested in obtaining a permit to collect lionfish in the Sanctuary Preservation Areas. These workshops are sponsored by REEF and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The workshop presentation will cover the history and progression of the invasion, an overview of lionfish biology and ecology, safe handling and collection techniques, and first aid.
More information at www.REEF.org/lionfish/workshops.
This workshop is intended for dive professionals and avid recreational divers interested in obtaining a permit to collect lionfish in the Sanctuary Preservation Areas. These workshops are sponsored by REEF and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The workshop presentation will cover the history and progression of the invasion, an overview of lionfish biology and ecology, safe handling and collection techniques, and first aid.
More information at www.REEF.org/lionfish/workshops.
Join Portofino Diver Academy for their first annual Lionfish Hunt in partnership with REEF Environmental Education Foundation!
The Lionfish is an invasive species that is decimating native fish in Florida waters. Join us on December 11, 2016 for a special workshop, hunting dive and a delicious lionfish cookout.
The next workshop will be hosted at Mote Marine Lab in Summerland Key on Wednesday October 24th, and will consist of a morning classroom session and afternoon dives with Captain Hook’s Strike Zone Charters in Big Pine Key. The workshop will begin at 9 AM, and will include background on the invasion, lionfish biology, ecological impacts, current research, collecting and handling techniques and much more! Attendees can obtain a permit to collect lionfish within the Sanctuary Preservation Areas in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary using hand nets only.
Come join us for the 1st Annual Upper Keys Lionfish Derby! For more information/register, go to www.reef.org/lionfish/derbies.
Join REEF on Saturday August 13th for the Palm Beach County Lionfish Derby!
More information and registration details can be found at http://www.reef.org/lionfish/derbies.
Scuba Charter to collect/hunt lionfish off shipwrecks in waters around Beaufort, NC. Advanced certification required, Nitrox Certification required. Comfortable diving depths over 100'-130'. Some lionfish collection gear provided, but divers must provide their own gear. Boat leaves at 6:45AM and will return around 4PM. Boat has A/C, freshwater showers, full-sized head, covered deck and sun deck. Divers must provide their own food and snacks.
Contact Discovery Diving, Beaufort, NC (252-728-2265) to reserve your space for this dive trip. Request SeaQuest II when booking.
This derby is organized by the Rotary Club of Central Tortola.
Organizer Contact Info: brian.rotary@outlook.com
This event is a REEF Sanctioned Lionfish Derby. Click here for more information about REEF Sanctioned Lionfish Derbies.
As part of the 2026 Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Arts Festival REEF will host the Derby Captains Meeting at Florida Keys Brewing Company on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
