Kick off the 18th Annual Florida Keys Lionfish Derby with us!
Thursday, April 22, 2027 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Location to be announced
Free and open to the public
5:00 - 6:15pm Team check-in and socializing
6:30 - 7:30pm Lionfish Derby Presentation
Our 18th Annual Florida Keys Lionfish Derby will culminate in a family-friendly Conservation Science and Arts Festival
Sunday, April 25, 2027 - 12:00pm - 4:00pm at the REEF Campus - 98300 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
Hands-on activities, interactive displays, educational games, live music, and much more!
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!
So far in 2026, 10,657 surveys have been submitted to the REEF Volunteer Fish Survey Project (VFSP) by 780 volunteers at thousands of sites around the world. Every single survey makes a difference! The ongoing nature of the VFSP and its broad geographic coverage have helped make it one of the most impactful ocean citizen science programs in the world.
Every fish survey counts! Data collected by REEF volunteer divers are helping scientists better understand rockfish populations along the West Coast of the United States, with the potential to inform important fisheries management decisions.
Are you looking for your next adventure? Our 2027 REEF Field Survey Trips schedule still has spaces available, along with a few trips in 2028 and 2029. REEF Trips are led by marine life experts and include diving, fish ID classes, and fun with friends. Divers, snorkelers, and families are welcome on REEF Trips. To find out more or book your space, email trips@REEF.org. We'll send you an invoice to submit a deposit to secure your space.
Join REEF September 11–18, 2027, for an unforgettable Field Survey Trip to Cyprus! This beautiful Mediterranean island offers crystal-clear waters, fascinating history, and incredible underwater experiences. Based in the coastal town of Ayia Napa, participants will explore world-famous dive sites, including the legendary Zenobia wreck and the Museum of Underwater Sculpture Ayia Napa (MUSAN). The trip will also include an excursion to Northern Cyprus, the Turkish side, for boat diving and a visit to a historic castle.
Join REEF September 11–18, 2027, for an unforgettable Field Survey Trip to Cyprus! This beautiful Mediterranean island offers crystal-clear waters, fascinating history, and incredible underwater experiences. Based in the coastal town of Ayia Napa, participants will explore world-famous dive sites, including the legendary Zenobia wreck and the Museum of Underwater Sculpture Ayia Napa (MUSAN). The trip will also include an excursion to Northern Cyprus for boat diving and a visit to a historic castle.
The votes have been counted, and we're excited to share the 2026 Discover the Sea Photography Contest results! Over 600 stunning photos were submitted to this year's contest, and over 3,000 votes were cast! First, second, and third place winners were selected via popular vote for each of the following photo categories: Fish Portrait, Macro, Invertebrate, Comedy, and Habitat/Seascape/Environment. A special overall winner was also selected as a favorite by REEF Staff.
