Participating in REEF's lionfish derbies is a great way to help protect the reefs while having fun and competing for great prizes!
What is a derby, you ask? Good question! Lionfish derbies are fishing competitions where teams work to collect as many lionfish as they can within a dawn-to-dusk period using a variety of capture methods while SCUBA diving, free diving or snorkeling. Removing lionfish from the reef is beneficial as it allows native species to grow unmolested and restores balance to the delicate coral ecosystem found in our coastal waters. Have more questions about lionfish derbies? See our FAQs page.
For more information on derbies being held in your area, click below:
Southeastern Florida Lionfish Derbies
Florida Keys Lionfish Derbies
Coming Soon
Click here for Upper, Middle and Lower Keys derby rules.
General Derby Participation Information
Friday Before Derby Day: Late registration at derby location and Captain's Meeting*.
*Captain's Meeting is mandatory for the team captain and all team members are encouraged to attend. There will be a briefing on safe collection and handling procedures for lionfish. Each member of the team must fill out a liability waiver, found here, and submit it before or at the captain's meeting.
Derby Day (Saturday):
Sunrise: Teams may begin collecting lionfish
All lionfish must be turned in to the scoring station at designated time at the derby location.
During/after scoring: Social and lionfish tasting open to the public, followed by raffle and awards banquet.
Prizes will be awarded to the teams with the biggest, smallest and most lionfish caught.
Click here for results from past derbies!
The reefs are a little cleaner thanks to a successful derby!
Sponsorship for REEF derby events is thoughtfully provided by:
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| Lionfish Quickfacts.pdf | 306.85 KB |
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