Join us for a free community science lesson and activity in our Science Discovery Classroom! This week learn about the spread of the invasive lionfish in the Florida Keys and how it has impacted the ecosystem. Then, watch an educational lionfish dissection and learn how to get involved in our removal efforts!
All ages are welcome!
Scuba Charter to collect/hunt lionfish off shipwrecks in waters around Beaufort, NC. Advanced certification required, Nitrox Certification required. Comfortable diving depths over 100'-130'. Some lionfish collection gear provided, but divers must provide their own gear. Boat leaves at 6:45AM and will return around 4PM. Boat has A/C, freshwater showers, full-sized head, covered deck and sun deck. Divers must provide their own food and snacks.
Contact Discovery Diving, Beaufort, NC (252-728-2265) to reserve your space for this dive trip. Request SeaQuest II when booking.
Join the South Carolina Aquarium for their inaugural JuLionfish Derby + Festival, a month-long culling competition for divers followed by an all-inclusive, 21+ festival at the South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston, SC! Proceeds benefit South Carolina Aquarium Reef Research, a program aimed at generating awareness and supporting fieldwork opportunities to sustain a balanced ocean. JuLionfish is a REEF-sanctioned event.
Details and Registration: https://scaquarium.org/JuLionfish.
During the Captain's Meeting, we will cover the basics of lionfish biology and the invasion, safe handling practices, and rules for the derby. It is important to note that ALL TEAM MEMBERS MUST TURN IN LIABILITY WAIVERS BEFORE OR AT THE CAPTAIN'S MEETING.
Amy Slate's Amoray Diver resort is hosting a Lionfish collection dive!
When: Oct. 14th, 1pm (EST)
Where: Amoray Dive Resort, Key Largo FL
Contact Amoray at (305) 451-3595 or visit here to book your trip!
For more information please visit www.reef.org/lionfish/derbies
As part of the 2026 Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Arts Festival REEF will host the Derby Captains Meeting at Sharkeys Sharkbite Grill, April 23, 2026.
Participating teams can check-in starting at 5:00 and pick up shirts, permits and team packets. The presentation will be from 6:30-7:30 and will cover a general background about invasive lionfish, best collecting and handling practices and then the Derby rules and permits. The presentation is mandatory for the captain of each derby team, and is open to anyone interested in learning more about invasive lionfish.
Hunt lionfish for cash prizes! Please note that ALL TEAM MEMBERS MUST HAVE THEIR LIABILITY WAIVERS TURNED IN BEFORE OR AT THE CAPTAIN'S MEETING ON MAY 13th.
For more information please visit www.reef.org/lionfish/derbies
For more information please visit www.reef.org/lionfish/derbies
