Free Lionfish Collecting & Handling Workshops in Florida Keys
Date: September 6-7, 2022
The 13th Annual Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Festival is coming up on Sept. 8-11. To educate the public about lionfish and practice safe lionfish removal methods, REEF is conducting two free Lionfish Collecting & Handling Workshops in the Florida Keys, and you’re invited to join us!
Workshops include a morning classroom session and an afternoon dive charter. Participants will learn about lionfish biology and ecology, the background and impacts of the invasion, and current lionfish research and findings. In the afternoon, divers may join a 2-tank dive trip to practice lionfish hunting using pole spears and ZooKeepers. After the dives, attendees may observe dissection and fillet demonstrations and learn how to handle lionfish properly.
• Tuesday, Sept. 6: Looe Key Workshop – Classroom portion at Mote Marine Laboratory, followed by 2-tank afternoon dive with Looe Key Reef Resort
• Wednesday, Sept. 7: Marathon Workshop – Classroom portion at Monroe County Library (Marathon Branch), followed by 2-tank afternoon dive with Tilden’s Scuba Center
Workshops are free and open to the public. However, advance registration is required. Workshop space is limited. Click here to reserve your space online.
Due to the nature of the lionfish collection dives, an advanced dive certification and 30 dives minimum are required for dive participants.
For more information, visit www.REEF.org/lionfish/workshop