The Martin County Artificial Reef Fund Committee will host the 8th Annual Reef Builders Tournament along with the 4th Annual Lionfish Round-Up on Saturday, July 12th, 2014. These tournaments helps fund the artificial reef program and bring awareness to lionfish education programs.
Reef Builders Tournaments over the past years helped fund the deployment of the Hailey Glasrud Reef, which occurred on April 24th. The Hailey Glasrud Reef creates 224’ of new fish habitat. Species that these reefs are created to attract, are the targeted species of the tournament. This year first, second and third place cash prizes for the top cobia, dolphin, grouper, snapper, kingfish and wahoo will be awarded.
“The Lionfish Round-Up segment of the tournament helps includes the dive community,” said John Burke, president of the MCAC Reef Fund.
The population of lionfish, an invasive species, has been increasing on reef systems throughout the Caribbean and the species has been rapidly making its way up the northeast coast of the United States. Divers will be given instructions on how to handle the spiny fish at the mandatory captains and divers briefing on Friday, July 11th, at Twisted Tuna in Port Salerno. Anglers and divers will be required to log the location and the time each fish is caught. This information will help provide lionfish data for Reef Builders.
“This year we have added a new element, a “Lionfish Reward”, which will pay $1 for every lionfish collected by a diver or team. The award will max out at $250, but the committee is seeking additional sponsors so the reward can be increased,” said Burke.
In 2011 and 2012, Martin County deployed reefs in memory of Kyle Conrad, a popular Jensen Beach resident, avid fisherman and diver, whose young life was cut short in 2010. The Top Boat in the fishing tournament receives the Kyle Conrad Trophy. Also, professional captains will vie for Top Charter Boat honors.
No boat options for interested anglers are available. For more information, contact Betty at (772) 223-1685, info@mcacreefs.org or visit www.mcacreefs.org.
The MCAC Reef Fund is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) established to enhance the artificial reef program of Martin County, Florida.