The 2025 Florida Keys Lionfish Collection & handling Workshop is Opening Soon!
Wednesday, April 16 - Key Dives, 85960 Overseas Highway, Islamorada, FL 33036
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, we will head out to the water and put our skills to work during a two-tank dive charter. The workshop dives are free thanks to generous donations from Key Dives. REEF will provide lionfish collection gear, but you must either bring your own SCUBA gear or organize rental SCUBA gear through Key Dives. Please contact the shop directly before the workshop if you need to organize gear rental.
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.
Dates & Times
Wednesday, April 16 - Morning Classroom, Afternoon Dives
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Classroom portion (mandatory): Wednesday, April 16, 9:30 AM Check-In, 10:00 AM Start (options for both in person and virtual attendance)
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Two-Tank Removal Dives: Wednesday, April 16, 12:30 Check-In at Key Dives (Registration Opening Soon)
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.
Key Dives Waivers REEF Workshop Waiver
Meeting Location
The classroom background will be held at 8:30 AM at the REEF Campus - 98300 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 Key Dives before the afternoon charter.
You must place your $40.00 deposit to secure your spot on the charter. This deposit can be refunded if requested via email within 7 days of the workshop completion. Though the workshop is free, 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 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
* If you would like to rent Nitrox, please include that on your registration form. This is an additional charge that you will pay at Key Dives upon check-in. Nitrox certification is required.*
REEF Lionfish Collection & Handling Workshop Participation Fee and Refund Policy
To confirm your spot in a REEF Lionfish Collection & Handling Workshop, a $40.00 participation fee is required at the time of registration. This fee helps to ensure committed attendance and covers administrative costs associated with hosting the workshop.
Refund Option
While the workshop is free to attend, participants who attend the full workshop (classroom and dive) may request a refund of the $40.00 participation fee. To request a refund:
- Send an email to refunds@REEF.org within 7 days of the workshop, including your name and workshop date.
If we do not receive a refund request within 7 days, your participation fee will automatically be considered a donation supporting REEF's marine conservation programs - including these lionfish removal efforts - and you will receive a limited edition REEF rash guard as a token of our appreciation.
Cancellation and No-Show Policy
- If you need to cancel your registration, please do so at least 48 hours before the dive portion of the workshop to receive a refund of your $40.00 fee.
- Cancellations within 48 hours of the dive or no-shows are not eligible for a refund, as your spot cannot be easily filled on short notice.