Key Largo, Fla. – (April 27, 2026) – The Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) closed out its 17th annual Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Arts Festival with a record-breaking total of 2,480 invasive lionfish removed from South Florida reefs over two days of competition.
From April 23–26, divers, captains, families, and ocean lovers gathered for REEF's 17th Annual Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Arts Festival — and by the time the scales were tallied, we had a brand-new Florida Keys record on our hands. Over two days of competition, derby teams pulled 2,480 invasive lionfish off South Florida reefs, smashing the previous Keys record of 1,898 (set in 2023) by a jaw-dropping 31 percent. It's also a new all-time high across REEF's full derby program that over nearly two decades has been hosted across Florida.
We’re counting down to the 2026 Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Arts Festival this April! This event brings together invasive lionfish removal, vibrant local arts, and conservation action - engaging the community in ocean stewardship through interactive and educational experiences. Here’s what to expect:
The 2026 Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Arts Festival is just around the corner, and we’re gearing up for an exciting weekend of conservation, community, and creativity this April! This event combines hands-on invasive lionfish removal with local art, science, and education. Here’s a look into what to expect:
April 23 - Kick-off Party & Captain’s Meeting (5-7:30 PM)
It's Derby month! Join us as we gear up for an exciting week of conservation, invasive species removal, and artistic fun! The Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Arts Festival combines local art, conservation science, and education all into one, can't-miss event! Here's an idea of what to expect:
April 23 – Kick-off Party & Captain's Meeting (5–7:30 PM)
Introducing our April Fish of the Month, the Red Lionfish, Pterois volitans! We chose this species because April is Lionfish Derby month — REEF's 17th Annual Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Arts Festival takes place April 23–26, 2026, right here in Key Largo!
This fall, REEF had the pleasure of partnering with the Guy Harvey Foundation for its annual Guy Harvey Teachers Summit in Orlando, Florida! This conference brings together Guy Harvey educators from across the state to connect, share ideas, and discover new educational resources, classroom activities, and sponsorship opportunities. REEF jumped right into the mix with two hands-on sessions designed to inspire educators and bring marine conservation to life in their classrooms. First, educators joined REEF for a breakout session focused on the invasive lionfish!
Bring REEF's mission into your classroom with Virtual Discovery Programs! Designed for students of all ages, these one- to two-hour Zoom programs combine an engaging live lesson with hands-on activities and show students that anyone, anywhere, can be a citizen scientist.
Featured programs include:
This summer has been filled with exciting REEF Discovery Programs and Expeditions for participants of all ages. One of the most meaningful was a two-day program with the Adapt-Able Foundation, a veteran-operated nonprofit that creates opportunities for people with physical, emotional, and developmental disabilities to experience scuba diving.
Jay Funaro, a Marine Education & Conservation Intern at REEF this summer, was drawn to REEF by the chance to work for a nonprofit while gaining experience in the varied marine ecosystems of the Florida Keys, where coral reefs meet seagrass beds, mangroves, and even the flowing grasses of the Everglades. Jay graduated from California State University, Monterey Bay, with a B.S. in marine science, became certified as an American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) scientific diver, and took part in multiple monitoring projects while cultivating a passion for public engagement.