Lionfish are, without any bias whatsoever, delicious. They’re also a disaster for our marine environment. So when you can eat a delicious fish and double your impact with an organization that rebuilds what they destroy, it’s a cause for celebration.
On Sunday, Nov. 24, Castaway Waterfront Restaurant and Sushi Bar will host a fundraising event to support I.CARE. This joint mission will combine efforts to support a healthier reef by raising awareness about the impacts of lionfish on our reefs and I.CARE’s efforts to restore those same reefs.
I.CARE is a coral restoration organization dedicated to involving recreational divers and members of the public in restoration activities. They provide opportunities for local divers to participate in coral transplanting and maintenance dives each week – with dive costs paid by grant funding.
I.CARE also hosts a Keyswide “Trash Derby” each year, organizing divers and land-goers to remove debris from the delicate Florida Keys ecosystems.
From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Castaway will donate $10 for each lionfish entrée sold and $5 for each lionfish sandwich, lionfish taco or King of the Jungle Roll – made with, you guessed it, lionfish – to support I.CARE’s efforts.
“I am grateful to the Castaway team for providing this platform to spread awareness about the efforts we are taking to rebuild our reefs,” said I.CARE co-founder and Marathon resident Kylie Smith. “I am incredibly excited for any opportunity to talk with locals and tourists about our cause, and I hope to encourage Marathon locals to participate in our programs. I can’t wait to munch on some of Castaway’s amazing creations.”
A corporate sponsor and friend of Castaway will match funds raised during the event up to $3,000. All funds will be dedicated to supporting a heathier reef.
