The Warrior Memorial Reefs Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to honoring fallen veterans, first responders, and their K9 companions while restoring marine ecosystems, is thrilled to announce its Inaugural Lionfish Tournament on June 6-7, 2025, at the prestigious Point South Marina at Bay Point in Panama City Beach, Florida. This exciting event serves as both a critical fundraiser for the Foundation’s mission and a proactive strike against the invasive lionfish threatening Gulf Coast waters.
A Dual-Purpose Event: Conservation and Commemoration
Lionfish, a non-native species with no natural predators in the Atlantic and the Gulf of America, have wreaked havoc on local marine ecosystems by preying on juvenile fish and disrupting biodiversity. The Warrior Memorial Reefs Foundation is taking action with this tournament, aiming to eradicate these voracious invaders while raising funds to create artificial reefs as lasting memorials for warriors. These reefs, built from raw steel, encapsulate the cremated remains interred in sustainable structures, provide vital habitats for marine life, transforming loss into legacy.
“We’re combining our passion for honoring our heroes with a hands-on effort to protect our oceans,” said Joe Theodorou, President and Founder of the Warrior Memorial Reefs Foundation. “This tournament is a call to action for divers and the community to join us in making a tangible difference—both for our marine environment and in memory of those who served our country and communities with honor.”
Tournament Details
The two-day event kicks off on Friday, June 6, with a Captain’s Meeting at 5:30 p.m. tentatively at Point South Marina at Bay Point, where teams will receive a briefing on rules, safety protocols, and lionfish handling techniques. The Captain’s Meeting will be followed by a launch party. Competition begins at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 7, as registered teams of 2-4 divers or free divers take to the waters to hunt lionfish using spears or gaffs. The day concludes with a weigh-in, beginning at 9:30 a.m. – TBA, followed by a public festival from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. featuring lionfish tastings, educational booths, live music, and an awards ceremony.
Prizes will be awarded in multiple categories:
Most Lionfish Caught (competitive and casual divisions)
Largest Lionfish
Smallest Lionfish
Warrior Reef Award (a raffle prize for all participants)
Individuals can register for $85 after May 1, with all proceeds supporting the Foundation’s reef-building efforts. Divers without boats can join trips arranged through local partners (availability limited—early booking recommended).
Sponsorship Opportunities
The Warrior Memorial Reefs Foundation invites businesses, organizations, and individuals to become sponsors of this landmark event. Sponsorship packages range from $20,000 to $500 and offer benefits such as logo placement on promotional materials, vendor booth space at the festival, and recognition during the awards ceremony. Premier sponsors will also have their names etched onto a memorial reef deployed in 2025. Vendors wishing to participate by just purchasing booth space should visit the Warrior Memorial Reefs Foundation website or contact Gretchen Theodorou.
Join the Fight
The public is invited to attend the free festival on June 7, where they can sample lionfish dishes—known for their mild, flaky texture—learn about the species’ ecological impact, and explore the Foundation’s mission. Certified divers interested in competing can register online at WarriorMemorialReefs.org or onsite at the Captain’s Meeting (space permitting).
“Every lionfish removed is a step toward healthier reefs, and every dollar raised helps us create living tributes to our heroes,” said Mr. Theodorou. “We can’t wait to see our community come together for this inaugural event.”
