We are proud to release REEF's 2016 Annual Report, reviewing accomplishments from our ocean conservation and education programs. Click here to view the Annual Report. In the report, we highlight many achievements and successes in 2016, such as:

  • Hosted our annual REEF Fest in Key Largo, attended by more than 400 ocean enthusiasts, divers, and conservationists 
  • Provided research to support legislation in the Cayman Islands that permanently protects endangered Nassau Grouper populations from overfishing 
  • Hosted 34 ocean education programs at REEF Headquarters for groups ranging from school children, to universities, to adult travel groups 
  • Received funding from Monroe County Tourist Development Council for improvements, additions, and renovations to REEF Headquarters 
  • Published the second edition of The Lionfish Cookbook, featuring more than 60 appetizer and entrée recipes designed to encourage the removal and consumption of invasive lionfish 
  • Presented scientific findings at the International Coral Reef Symposium in Hawaii, including an analysis of REEF survey data collected by volunteers in Bonaire Marine Park over the last 20 years 
  • Coordinated the first Field Survey Trips to the Central Indo-Pacifc region, resulting in more than 1,500 REEF surveys from the Philippines, Palau, and Yap 
  • Continued to host our popular monthly Fish & Friends event, a marine science seminar and social, featuring presentations on diving, marine biology, and underwater photography 
  • Honored Janet Eyre as our Volunteer of the Year

REEF was founded in 1990, out of growing concern for the health of the marine environment and the desire to provide ocean enthusiasts with ways to actively contribute to improved understanding and protection of marine environments. Looking back on more than two decades of hard work, REEF’s impact is remarkable. The most important part of this grassroots organization has always been the members who make it possible. Whether you’ve been with REEF since it was founded, joined somewhere along the way, or just became a member this year, we are profoundly grateful of the time, skills, and financial resources you give to make such a significant difference in marine conservation.