REEF’s in-person programming is on hold until further notice, but there are still ways you can stay engaged in marine conservation from home.
2020 Underwater Photo Contest Winners
Thank you to everyone who voted in our 2020 Underwater Photography Contest! We had over 170 photos entered this year and over 1,500 votes cast. Check out the winning photographs in each category here. Congratulations to all of the winners!
Virtual Lionfish Workshop: Wednesday, Sept. 9, 6:30-8:30 pm EDT.
This free virtual workshop will include background information on the invasion, lionfish biology, ecological impacts, current research, collection and handling techniques, and much more. Click here to register for the online workshop. Please note that this workshop is fully online and does not include a two-tank dive charter. However, if you wish to participate in lionfish collection dives after the workshop, Key Dives in Islamorada, FL and Rainbow Reef in Key Largo, FL will be running lionfish dive charters on Friday, Sept. 11 and Saturday, Sept. 12. Please contact Key Dives or Rainbow Reef Dive Center for rates, times, and more information on how to register for lionfish dive charters.
Fishy Hour: Fish-Face-To-Face (Pacific Northwest): Thursday, Sept. 10, 7pm PDT.
Enjoy a casual, fun, face-to-face chat time (via Zoom) with your fellow Pacific Northwest REEF fish geeks. Webcams are encouraged. We'll each get a chance to say hello, and see each other's smiling faces. Click here to register.
Upper Keys Lionfish Derby Facebook Livestream: Sunday, Sept. 13
The Upper Keys Lionfish Derby will take place this weekend as a socially-distant event. You can follow along virtually on Facebook. REEF Invasive Lionfish Program will be broadcasting live streams of a lionfish dissections, fish scoring and measurements. Like us on Facebook for all of the derby updates!
Fish Out of Water Virtual 5K Race: Sept. 28-Oct. 4
Registration is open for the first-ever REEF Fish Out of Water Virtual 5K Race. You can choose to run, walk, bike, or hike the 3.1 mile distance in one day, or break it into smaller sections throughout the week. To add to the excitement, we've chosen a special fish representative from each of our 11 Volunteer Fish Survey Project regions, and you can sign up to be part of your favorite fish's team! Proceeds from the Fish Out of Water 5K will support REEF’s new "Oceans for All Fund." This fund provides ocean-focused educational opportunities for underserved communities and those with financial need. Registration is $35 per person and includes a limited-edition Fish Out of Water 5K shirt, race bib, finishers’ medal, and certificate of completion. Participants can also sign up for a pre-race online social on Sept. 24 at 8pm EDT. For more information or to register, visit www.REEF.org/5Krace.
Fishy Hour: Fish-Face-To-Face (Tropical Western Atlantic): Thursday, Oct. 8, 8pm EDT.
Enjoy a casual, fun, face-to-face chat time (via Zoom) with your fellow Tropical Western Atlantic REEF fish geeks. Webcams are encouraged. We'll each get a chance to say hello, and see each other's smiling faces. Click here to register.
Virtual Lionfish Jewelry Workshop: Thursday, Oct. 22 - 6-8pm EDT
Learn about background of the lionfish invasion, biology and ecology of lionfish, impacts, current research findings, collecting tools and techniques, market development and ways you can make a difference! This online workshop also includes a step-by-step tutorial on how to make your own lionfish jewelry. You can choose to simply watch, or purchase your own kit to follow along live! REEF Jewelry Kits, with everything you need to make your own jewelry, are sold in our online store here. Kits include necklace pendant, earring pendants, cotton necklace cord, treated lionfish fins, and resin. Please order by October 7 to receive your jewelry kit in time for the virtual workshop. Click here to register for the workshop.