Ace Diving & Zookeeper
Spring Lionfish Derby 2026

What Is a Lionfish Derby

The Lionfish Derby is a powerful mix of competition and conservation, bringing divers together with a shared mission to remove invasive lionfish that threaten Florida’s reefs. Through strategic hunting, teamwork, and friendly rivalry, participants play a direct role in protecting native marine life, restoring reef balance, and raising awareness about one of the region’s most pressing environmental challenges.

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Collaboration

This impact is made possible through the solid alliance Ace Diving has built with ZooKeeper and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. By working closely with these organizations, the derby follows responsible collection practices, supports accurate data reporting, and strengthens statewide conservation efforts. Together, this partnership ensures the event is not only exciting and competitive, but also meaningful, effective, and rooted in real marine stewardship.

Inception

Ace Diving has proudly hosted the Lionfish Derby since 2022, creating an event that goes beyond competition and truly brings the diving community together. From seasoned hunters to first time participants, everyone is welcome and no one is left out. The derby is built on inclusion, teamwork, and a shared respect for the ocean, attracting divers from all walks of life who come together with one common goal: protecting our reefs.

What makes this event special is the sense of community it creates both on and off the water. Divers, conservation partners, volunteers, and supporters unite in an environment that encourages learning, collaboration, and positive impact. Year after year, the Ace Diving Lionfish Derby continues to grow as a space where passion for diving meets purpose, and where every participant plays a meaningful role in marine conservation.

Lionfish Derby Rules

• All participants must be certified open water scuba divers and dive within their training limits at all times
• Divers must follow all FWC regulations regarding lionfish harvest and safe diving practices
• Only invasive lionfish are eligible. No other marine life may be disturbed, injured, or collected
• All lionfish must be harvested by spearing while underwater. No hand capture
• Each diver is responsible for their own safety, buoyancy control, and environmental awareness
• Dive computers are required and safe ascent procedures must be followed
• All catches must be landed, intact, and presented at weigh in for scoring
• Lionfish must be kept properly contained during and after the dive to prevent injury
• Teams must return within the scheduled time window to qualify
• Unsportsmanlike conduct, unsafe behavior, or reef damage will result in disqualification
• All participants must sign waivers and attend the pre derby briefing
• Judges decisions are final

• No bananas allowed aboard the vessel

RULES

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When and Where

The 2026 Ace Diving Lionfish Derby will take place on March 15, 2026, in Miami, Florida. Check in begins at 7:00 AM, followed by a mandatory pre derby briefing. Participants will complete two structured dives targeting invasive lionfish on selected reef sites, with a schedule designed to prioritize safety, efficiency, and conservation impact.

The derby will depart from Ace Diving, downtown Miami at 401 Biscayne Blvd, Pier 5, Slip 33, Miami, FL 33132. This centralized departure location provides quick access to key reef areas and serves as the hub for the entire event, including boarding, return, official weigh in, scoring, and post derby activities. The day concludes with recognition of participants and a shared celebration of the collective effort to protect South Florida’s reefs.

Need to purchase gear from Zookeeper: https://lionfishzk.com/?sld=acediving

A huge shoutout to our amazing sponsors! Thank you for your incredible support!