KEY LARGO, FLA. – Fourteen teams of divers persevered through last weekend’s windy conditions to bring in 494 invasive lionfish during the 2021 Earth Day “Locals” Lionfish Derby. Teams were permitted to fish in Monroe County waters from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, April 24. More than $2,500 in cash and prizes was awarded to teams who brought in the most, largest, and smallest lionfish.
This article shares some environmentally focused activities happening in the Florida Keys in celebration of Earth Day, including REEF's Earth Day Lionfish Derby.
This article features some upcoming events at REEF, with a focus on the Florida Keys. Events highlighed include the Earth Day Lionfish Derby, Fish Out of Water Virtual 5K, and Ocean Explorers Summer Camp.
Enjoy an evening with Ned and Anna as they talk about their latest fishy adventures, their holiday traditions, and REEF's programs and impact from the year.
IMPORTANT: Note the time zone and make sure you adjust it as needed for your location!
Join us for tips and tricks to identify the eels of Hawaii with expert surveyors. Whether you're an avid Hawaii surveyor, or just looking to expand your knowledge on Hawaii's marine life, this Fishinar will be lots of fun!
IMPORTANT: Note the time zone and make sure you adjust it as needed for your location!
Species covered in this Fishinar:
April is both Earth Month and Citizen Science Month. Join us all month for an Earth Day Quest - a fun way to explore REEF's marine conservation programs and the ways you can get involved! On the self-led journey, you’ll get the chance to share your REEF stories with friends, expand your fish ID skills, go on a REEF website scavenger hunt, and more!
Click here to start your Earth Day Quest. It's free to join, and everyone who registers through the Earth Day Quest webpage will receive a small surprise in the mail!
Scientists are looking to REEF members and other recreational divers and snorkelers to help track population recovery of the Sunflower Seastar (Pycnopodia helianthoides). With up to 24 arms, this giant seastar was historically a common sight in the kelp forests and rocky reefs from Alaska to Baja California in Mexico. Unfortunately, the species has experienced a dramatic decline in recent years, primarily due to a Seastar Wasting Disease epidemic that swept along the US and Canadian west coast from 2013-2016 and is still ongoing in places.
When you're ready to start planning your next trip, consider joining a REEF Field Survey Trip for a fun and meaningful dive vacation. Below are our upcoming trips, including some with space remaining later this year, as well as our newly released 2022 schedule, and a sneak peek of 2023. REEF Trips are led by marine life experts, and include diving, seminars about fish identification, and plenty of fun with friends. Not a scuba diver? No problem. Snorkelers are welcome on REEF Trips.
Registration is open for the second annual Fish Out of Water Virtual 5K! From June 7-13, 2021, we're encouraging ocean enthusiasts everywhere to get moving in the name of conservation. You can choose to run, walk, hike, bike, or even swim, completing the 5K (3.1 miles) in one day or throughout the week. No matter how you participate, it’s a great way to get active in your community while making your miles count. Last year, nearly 500 people joined in our first ever 5K, and we're planning for an even bigger event this year.