Learn how to identify, track, and safely manage one of the ocean’s most invasive species • 2 Days
Join a hands-on PADI specialty course in Fort Walton Beach that teaches identification, safe removal, and reporting of invasive lionfish. Two days of classroom and in-water work turn certified divers into active reef stewards.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
1–2 days
Fitness Level
Should be comfortable in open-water dives with good buoyancy control and able to carry gear on and off a boat.
Wildlife
History
Lionfish were first recorded in the western Atlantic in the late 20th century and have since become a significant invasive predator in Gulf and Caribbean reefs.
Conservation
The course emphasizes removal, accurate reporting, and coordination with local monitoring programs to reduce ecological impact and support long-term reef resilience.
Learn how to identify, track, and safely manage one of the ocean’s most invasive species • 2 Days
Bring your certification & logbook
Advanced Open Water and Nitrox are required or must be earned during the course—bring cards and recent logged dives.
Practice buoyancy before diving
Accurate buoyancy control reduces reef contact while you work on tracking and retrieval drills.
Use provided handling tools
Rely on spear poles or spearguns supplied by the operator rather than attempting to grab fish by hand due to venomous spines.
Support reef-safe habits
Wear reef-safe sunscreen and avoid touching coral; the course emphasizes minimal-impact removal and reporting.
Mask, fins & snorkel
Core dive kit for clear vision and efficient movement during tracking dives.
Dive computer
Helps manage bottom time and gas planning, especially on nitrox dives.
3mm wetsuit (or appropriate exposure suit)
Thermal protection and abrasion resistance for working near reefs and wrecks.
summer
Gloves or barrier gloves
Protects hands when handling tools or assisting with captured specimens, used under instructor guidance.