As summer approaches, we are gearing up to host two of our biggest annual conservation events later this year. We hope you can join us in the Florida Keys for one or both of these events. Whether you're a diver, snorkeler, or land-based ocean lover, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Festival - August 15-18: Our 15th annual event features two full days of lionfish hunting plus a family-friendly lionfish awareness celebration at Florida Keys Brewing Company. This year, the scoring, lionfish demos, and derby awards ceremony will be held at the REEF Campus in Key Largo. Cash prizes will be awarded to the teams who collect the most, largest, and smallest lionfish. Want to participate in the derby? Team registration is now open, and teams of two to four people may register online to compete in the derby. Teams may register in either the Apex Predators division (competitive, higher prize money) or Reef Defenders (casual, lower prize money.) Registration is $90 per team through July 12, and increases to $120 per team afterwards. Check out all the info at www.REEF.org/derby.
Want to learn more about invasive lionfish or brush up on your collecting skills? We will be organizing free Lionfish Collecting & Handling Workshops before the derby. Stay tuned for more information and workshop dates. You can keep up with derby info and connect with other lionfish hunters by joining the REEF Invasive Lionfish Facebook Group.
REEF Fest - October 17-20: Our annual marine conservation celebration in Key Largo includes plenty of fun activities like diving, snorkeling, kayaking, ocean seminars, nature tours, and socials. Registration will open very soon, so stay tuned and watch your inbox and our social media for more info! Visit www.REEF.org/REEFfest for details.