A Weekend with a Purpose: Oceans, Art & Education
I had the good fortune to participate in the REEF Lionfish Derby and Art Show in Key Largo, Florida — and what a meaningful event it turned out to be.
Hosted by the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF), this annual gathering blends science, conservation, and community fun. REEF, founded in 1990, has grown into a global force for marine protection. Their programs span the Atlantic, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Red Sea, Pacific and Indian Oceans — but what really hits home is how much this organization does right here in the Florida Keys.
While the event was lively and colorful, this was no ordinary festival. It’s centered on one of the ocean’s more pressing challenges: the invasive lionfish.
Why the Lionfish Derby Matters
To the uninitiated, lionfish might seem like just another beautiful reef fish. But beneath those elegant fins lies a serious threat. Native to the Indo-Pacific and Red Sea, lionfish have few predators here in Florida. They consume juvenile reef species at an alarming rate, upsetting the natural balance of our already fragile coral reef ecosystems.
Their rapid reproduction and ability to live deep in the water — below the reach of most scuba divers — only worsen the issue. Without natural predators to keep them in check, it’s up to humans to step in.
And that’s exactly what events like the Lionfish Derby are designed to do: mobilize divers, educate the public, and bring people together in defense of the ocean.
Diving In: Pre-Derby Reef Adventures
Before the official weigh-in and festival, I joined Rainbow Reef Dive Center for a few dives on the local reefs. We explored a shallow reef system followed by a shipwreck site.
The good news? We didn’t spot a single lionfish — likely thanks to the diligent work of divers already participating in the derby. Instead, we were treated to a healthy underwater scene: parrotfish, angelfish, damselfish, trumpetfish, and cleaning stations buzzing with shrimp and small wrasses doing their work.
Seeing these native species thriving is a great reminder of what’s at stake — and why local efforts matter.
More Than a Derby: Building Community Through Conservation
Back on land, the Lionfish Art Show and Festival brought together a passionate group of ocean advocates. I had the chance to meet some truly inspiring folks and organizations:
- 🪸 Coral Restoration Foundation – working to rebuild Florida’s coral reefs.
- 🦜 Florida Keys Wild Bird Center – rescuing and rehabilitating native birds.
- 🧬 Marine Science Odyssey – making marine biology exciting for kids.
- 📚 Monroe County Public Library – supporting literacy and learning in the Keys.
- 🎓 Ocean Studies Charter School – combining education with environmental stewardship.
- 💍 Key Largo Lena’s Lionfish Jewelry – turning invasive species into beautiful handmade art.
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🌊 Mote Marine– A global leader in oceanic bio-research regarding conservation and sustainability.
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🦈Bimini Biological Field Station Shark Lab– Dedicated to understanding the biology of sharks and rays and the role they play in the marine ecosystem.
Every conversation reminded me: the future of conservation is in our hands — and hearts.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Through my Florida Keys children’s book series, I aim to spark curiosity and action in young readers and their families. Our mission is simple but urgent: put down the electronics and get outside. Read stories together. Explore nature. Make a difference.
The REEF Lionfish Derby was the perfect place to live that message. It was family-friendly, hands-on, and full of people passionate about protecting the places we love.
What You Can Do Next
🌊 Support local ocean advocacy groups.
📖 Read ocean-themed stories with your kids.
🐟 Learn about invasive species like lionfish.
🧭 And most importantly — get outside and explore!
Together, we can protect what we love — one reef, one story, and one adventure at a time.