BICA Lionfish Derby XV 2026 in Utila: Protecting Caribbean Reefs Through Action, Sport, and Sustainable Cuisine
The BICA Lionfish Derby XV 2026 returns to the Bay Islands on February 19–20, 2026, bringing together divers, fishers, chefs, conservationists, and ocean advocates for one of the region’s most impactful environmental events. Hosted at Edo’s Place and organized by Bay Islands Conservation Association (BICA), this two-day event in Utila combines competitive diving, reef conservation, community engagement, and gastronomy to address one of the Caribbean’s most pressing marine threats: the invasive lionfish.
More than a tournament, the Lionfish Derby 2026 is a call to action—transforming conservation into measurable impact while supporting sustainable tourism and local economic development in the Bay Islands.
Why the Lionfish Derby Matters for Caribbean Reef Conservation
The invasive lionfish poses a significant threat to Caribbean coral reef ecosystems. With no natural predators in the Atlantic and Caribbean, lionfish reproduce rapidly and prey on native reef species, disrupting biodiversity and weakening already fragile coral systems.
The BICA Lionfish Derby focuses on the removal and responsible use of lionfish, turning an ecological crisis into an opportunity for environmental awareness and sustainable seafood promotion. By organizing competitive dives and collecting biological and spatial data, the event contributes directly to reef monitoring efforts and supports the broader Bay Islands Lionfish Management Plan.
Through structured competition and responsible fishing practices, the derby demonstrates how sport diving and conservation can work together to protect marine ecosystems in Utila and beyond.
Event Dates and Location: February 19–20, 2026 in Utila
The Lionfish Fishing Derby will take place on February 19, 2026, at Edo’s Place in Utila, followed by the Lionfish Cook Off on February 20, 2026, at the BICA Office in Utila.
Divers and teams from across the Bay Islands—and beyond—are invited to participate.
📍 Registration Location:
BICA Office, Jerusalem neighborhood, Utila
🕘 Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🌐 Online Registration: bicainc.org/lionfishderby
Lionfish Fishing Derby: Competitive Diving for a Cause
On February 19, certified divers and fishers will compete in teams to safely capture lionfish while adhering to strict conservation and safety guidelines.
Registration Details
Entry Fee: $70 per team
Maximum of 4 participants per team
All participants must be registered (no exceptions)
Team Captain must be at least Rescue Diver certified
Divers will use only:
Hawaiian Slings
Pole Spears
(As required under the Bay Islands Lionfish Management Plan, spear holders operating within the National Marine Park must have a valid registered license. Licenses are valid for two years and must not be expired.)
Award Categories
Most fish caught (1st and 2nd place)
Smallest fish
Largest fish
Fish will not be accepted after 3:00 PM (cut-off time). Lionfish brought after the deadline may be donated to the Cook Off but will not count toward competition totals.
Data Collection and Reef Monitoring
Beyond competition, the Lionfish Derby 2026 contributes valuable scientific data to support reef conservation efforts.
Teams are encouraged to record:
Number of fish caught per dive
Dive site name and/or GPS coordinates
Depth range
This data strengthens reef monitoring initiatives and enhances understanding of lionfish distribution across Utila’s marine ecosystems.
Safety and Environmental Guidelines
The Lionfish Derby emphasizes strict adherence to marine protection and diver safety standards.
Key regulations include:
No striking the reef, including coral, soft coral, or sponges
Boats must carry hot water and painkillers in case of lionfish stings
Boats must have an icebox with sufficient ice to preserve fish freshness
Lionfish from different teams must be separated within the cooler
Any non-lionfish species found in a boat’s cooler will result in disqualification of all teams aboard and reporting to authorities
Safe diving practices established by training agencies must be followed at all times
The captain of each boat is fully responsible for the contents of the cooler and adherence to regulations.
Awards and Closing Ceremony
Following the competition on February 19, participants and supporters will gather at Edo’s Place for the Awards and Closing Ceremony. The event will recognize top-performing teams, celebrate sponsor contributions, and highlight the collective conservation impact achieved through the derby.
This ceremony serves as a reminder that environmental stewardship can be both collaborative and celebratory.
Lionfish Cook Off: Turning Conservation Into Sustainable Cuisine
On February 20, the focus shifts from reef removal to culinary innovation at the Lionfish Cook Off, hosted at the BICA Office in Utila.
Local restaurants and chefs will prepare creative lionfish dishes, promoting lionfish as a sustainable seafood option. By encouraging consumption of this invasive species, the Cook Off helps establish long-term market demand—supporting continuous reef protection efforts.
Sustainable cuisine plays a critical role in invasive species management. By placing lionfish on the menu, Utila’s culinary community contributes directly to marine conservation while showcasing the island’s gastronomic creativity.
Supporting Reef Restoration, Tourism, and Local Economy
The BICA Lionfish Derby XV 2026 strengthens collaboration among local stakeholders—divers, fishers, restaurants, tourism operators, and conservation organizations.
The event supports:
Coral reef restoration efforts
Environmental education
Sustainable tourism development in Utila
Community engagement in marine protection
Local economic activity through hospitality and gastronomy
By integrating sport, conservation science, and culinary arts, the Lionfish Derby demonstrates that reef protection can generate both ecological and economic value.
Join the BICA Lionfish Derby 2026
Bring your crew. Dive with purpose. Compete responsibly. Celebrate sustainably.
The BICA Lionfish Derby XV 2026 in Utila, Bay Islands is more than an event—it is a movement to protect Caribbean reefs through action, sport, and sustainable cuisine.
📅 February 19–20, 2026
📍 Utila, Bay Islands, Honduras
💲 $70 per team (maximum 4 divers)
🌐 Register online: bicainc.org/lionfishderby
Join the effort to defend coral reefs, promote responsible fishing, and turn conservation into measurable impact in the heart of the Caribbean.
