2024 Florida Keys Lionfish Collecting & Handling Workshops

$40.00

REEF Lionfish Collecting & Handling Workshops include a classroom portion that covers invasion history, lionfish biology, ecological impacts, current research, and collecting and handling 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 and dives are free thanks to generous donations from Key Dives and Looe Key Reef Resort, and REEF will provide lionfish collecting gear, but you must bring your own SCUBA gear or organize a rental through the dive shop. Please contact the shop directly before the workshop if you need rental gear. *Due to the advanced nature of the lionfish collection dives, an advanced dive certification (AOW or above) and 30 dives minimum are required for dive participants. 

Dates & Times

Monday, August 12 and Wednesday, August 14

  • Classroom background: Monday, August 12, 8:30 check-in (options for virtual or in-person attendance)
  • Two-tank removal dives: Monday, August 12 OR Wednesday, August 14
    • Monday, August 12: Key Dives, Islamorada FL - 12:30 Check-in
    • Wednesday, August 14: Looe Key Reef Resort, Ramrod Key, FL - 12:45 Check-in

Meeting Location 

The classroom background will be held at 8:30am at the REEF Campus - 98300 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo. Please note that there will be an option to attend the class in person or virtually. 

Additional Details

REEF will provide lionfish collecting and handling gear to all registered participants. You will need to provide your own scuba diving equipment. If you need to rent equipment, you must set that up with your dive shop before getting on the morning boat.

You must place your $40 deposit to secure your dive spot on the removal charter. This deposit can be refunded if requested via email within 7 days of workshop completion. Though the workshop is free to participants, divers should plan to tip the crew. They work hard to provide you with a great experience!

If you must cancel your registration, you must do so within 48 hours of the workshop dives to refund your $40 deposit. We cannot provide refunds within 48 hours of the workshop or for no-shows. 

Due to the advanced nature of the lionfish collection dives, an advanced dive certification (AOW or above) and 30 logged dives minimum are required for dive participants. You may be put on the waitlist if you do not meet one or both of these requirements. 

If you are currently on the waitlist, you will be notified immediately if a spot opens up. The waitlist is for the two-tank dives only - the morning classroom does not require a waitlist and is open to anyone wanting to join. 

If you have any questions regarding 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, and you will pay at the shop upon registration. Nitrox certification is required.