Join REEFs 2023 Florida Keys Lionfish Sweeps!
Steady removal of Lionfish from our local reefs can help protect native fish species & ensure a balanced ecosystem.
Participants can remove Invasive Lionfish from April to June 2023 for entry into cash raffles & final cash prizes and donate the fish to REEF’s Education & Outreach Programs
To Participate, Drop off lionfish between April 1 to June 30, 2023 at:
REEF Campus, Key Largo, FL 9AM-5PM Monday-Friday each week
Mote Marine Laboratory, Summerland Key, FL 9AM-5PM on Mondays each week
Lionfish Sweeps Preregistration
Online preregistration is not required. Participants can register in person during first drop anytime between April 1-June 30
Final Results will be announced & raffles will be drawn at Sharkey’s Sharkbite Grille Rockin’ the Dock – July 2023
At least $2000 in Cash Prizes
Cash prizes will be given out to 1st place, 2nd place & 3rd place
Two cash raffle prize pools with multiple drawings
PARTICIPANT RAFFLE – Each participant receives a raffle tix upon entry & then a raffle tix each week they drop off fish (regardless of fish #)
LIONFISH RAFFLE – Each participant receives a raffle tix for their first lionfish & then an additional raffle tix for every 20 lionfish they drop off
A selection of custom made Zookeepers and Zookeeper spears will also be included as prizes.
Each participant receives a REEF Lionfish Neck Gaiter with entry Each participant receives a 2023 REEF Lionfish Derby Shirt after dropping off 10 lionfish
Florida Keys Lionfish Sweeps Rules
- Participants can sign up and complete waivers during their first drop off of lionfish between April 1 – June 30 2023
- Entry is free (all lionfish must be donated)
- This is an individual competition, Lionfish must be harvested by the person credited for the harvest
- Lionfish can be captured from anywhere (legal) but must be dropped off at REEF Campus or Mote
- Lionfish must be caught between April-June 30
- No previously caught or frozen lionfish will be allowed
- Please turn in all lionfish fresh on ice for consumption
- Only legal means of capture in areas allowing use of those gear types will be allowed. All existing federal, state, and local laws must be followed
- All lionfish must be in whole condition
- Lionfish will be used for sampling, research, or culinary tasting events
- Lionfish can be used for additional events including FWC’s Lionfish Challenge
- Weekend drop times and alternate times may be available upon request email lionfish@REEF.org
- Lionfish are venomous & should be handled with care with protective gloves & containment devices
- It is recommended that divers carry first aid kits, hot water and/or heat packs when collecting lionfish
- All participants operate under the honor system for this conservation effort and are responsible for compliance with the rules.
