REEF’s 2018 Lionfish Derby Series presented by Whole Foods Market® is in full swing, and we are excited to share that so far, derby participants have already removed more than 1,770 lionfish from Florida's coastal waters this year! Thank you to everyone who has participated in this effort to combat invasive species. With the Palm Beach Derby happening this weekend at Loggerhead Marinelife Center, we will add even more lionfish to the current total.
After the Palm Beach Derby concludes, there are two more derbies remaining in the 2018 series: Jacksonville on Aug. 10-12 at Beach Marine, and Key Largo on Sept. 14-16, at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. You can register a team for either of these derbies online at our Lionfish Derby webpage. Details for both events are below.
All of the scoring, awards, lionfish ceviche tastings, educational dissection and fillet demonstrations, music and festivities at both events will take place as teams start to come in with their catch. Festivities are free and open to the public.
Planning to attend the Jacksonville or Key Largo derbies? Get the full experience by purchasing a VIP Access Pass! Pass holders will have the opportunity to sample gourmet lionfish cuisine created by chefs, and cast a vote for the best lionfish dish. VIP tickets are available on REEF's webpage for $20 per person. Click here to purchase a VIP Access Pass for the Jacksonville Derby. Click here to purchase a VIP Access Pass for the Key Largo Derby.
Calling all chefs: There is still time to register for the people's choice culinary competition at either derby! Participating chefs will be provided with lionfish fillets to make a tasty and creative dish of their choosing. The chef who creates the winning dish will win $750. The second place chef will win $500, and third place chef will win $250. Space is limited to 10 chefs per event and registration is accepted on a first come, first serve basis. Click here to register for a culinary competition.
Jacksonville Lionfish Derby
Mandatory Captain’s Meeting: Friday, Aug. 3, 6:30-7:30pm at Beach Marine
Derby Competition Hours: Sunrise on Aug. 4 until 1pm Aug. 5
Culinary Festival and Awards: Aug. 12, 12-4pm at Beach Marine
$120 registration fee per team. 2-4 person teams.
For more information and registration: http://www.REEF.org/derbies/jacksonvillederby
Key Largo Lionfish Derby
Mandatory Captain’s Meeting: Friday, Sept. 14, 6:30-7:30pm at John Pennecamp Coral Reef State Park
Derby Competition Hours: Sunrise on Sept. 15 until 1pm on Sept. 16
Culinary Festival and Awards: Sept. 16, 12-4pm at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
$120 registration fee per team. 2-4 person teams.
For more information and registration: http://www.REEF.org/derbies/keylargoderby
Cash prizes will be awarded for teams who bring in the most (1st-10th place), largest (1st-3rd place), and smallest (1st-3rd place) lionfish. New prize categories include a "Golden Fish Award" in which all participating teams are eligible to win $1,000 cash. Additionally, there is a first timers category for teams consisting of members who have never participated in a REEF derby before. All derby participants will also earn an entry into the drawing for an Atlantis Philippines Dive Resorts & Liveaboards certificate for a 7-night dive vacation.
Thank you to everyone who has participated in or attended a REEF Lionfish Derby this year, and we hope to see you at our upcoming events!