CRF AND REEF HOST SUCCESSFUL FIRST-EVER "CORALS IN & LIONFISH OUT"
More than $1,000.00 raised to support marine conservation in the Florida Keys
The Coral Restoration Foundation (CRF) and Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) teamed up during the second week of September for “Corals In and Lionfish Out,” a series of events to engage and educate the public while raising funds for coral restoration and invasive lionfish removal efforts in the Florida Keys.
KEY LARGO, FLA. – Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) is excited to announce the 16th Annual Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Arts Festival, scheduled for April 24-27, 2025. This event uniquely combines invasive lionfish removal with vibrant local arts and conservation efforts, aiming to engage the community in ocean conservation through interactive and educational activities.
Event Schedule
Our 17th Annual Florida Keys Lionfish Derby will culminate in a family friendly Conservation Science and Arts Festival
Sunday April 26th - 12:00pm - 4:00pm at the REEF Campus - 98380 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
Hands-on activities, interactive displays, educational games, and much more!
Release of Invasive Lionfish: A Guide to Control and Management
REEF's Director of Special Projects, Lad Akins, and REEF affiliate scientist Dr. Stephanie Green (Oregon State University) and REEF Advisory Panel member Dr. Steve Gittings (NOAA National Marine Sanctuaries) participated in the first submersible expedition to assess the lionfish invasion on deep marine habitats off South Florida June 27-29. While REEF and other scientists have studied lionfish in shallow habitats, the Antipodes lionfish expedition gave scientists the opportunity to learn about lionfish populations far below recreational diving limits.
REEF continues our efforts as a leader in confronting the invasion of Indo-Pacific Lionfish into the eastern US, Caribbean and Bahamas. In November, we participated in a workshop to help craft a national response to the invasion in the Bahamas, conducted training in the Turks and Caicos where lionfish are just starting to show up and shared findings from our field work at an international conference (see GCFI article).
Tuesday, September 6 - Looe Key Reef Resort, 27340 Overseas Hwy., Ramrod Key, FL 33042
REEF Ocean Explorers Programs offer a wide range of hands-on learning opportunities that promote curiosity and environmental stewardship. From fish identification to interactive lab activities, these programs are designed to bring marine science to life for students of all ages. One of our most popular programs is an invasive lionfish investigation and dissection. During these sessions, REEF staff lead participants through an engaging, hands-on exploration of this invasive predator.
Take a bite out of lionfish at the 14th annual REEF Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Festival, coming up on Sept. 7-10. The event features two full days of lionfish hunting, plus a family-friendly lionfish festival.
Monday, August 12 - Key Dives, 85960 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036 *New Location*
Wednesday, August 14 - Looe Key Reef Resort, 27340 Overseas hwy, Ramrod Key, FL 33042
