REEF Fish & Friends: Shark Depredation in the Florida Keys

Dr José E. Trujillo, Ph.D
11/11/2025 6:15pm EST
Ocean Exploration Center, 98380 Overseas Hwy. Key Largo, FL 33037

José E. Trujillo, Ph.D., is a marine biologist from Ecuador with advanced degrees in marine biology from Chile and a Ph.D. in marine science from New Zealand. His research has explored how kelp forests support egg-laying sharks and how young reef sharks evade predators using their environment and physiology. As a shark behavioral ecologist, his work highlights key factors shaping shark nursery habitats. Now a Postdoctoral Associate at Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, he leads research on shark depredation in the Florida Keys. 

 

REEF Conservation Science Update

12/3/2025 8:00pm EST
Dr. Alli Candelmo

Join REEF Director of Conservation Science Dr. Alli Candelmo for an exciting update on current REEF research projects, including Grouper Spotter and SMILE (Size Matters: Innovative Length Estimate).

Photo by Tom Sparke

General / Other Taxa
Register for Fishinar
Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel Field Survey Trip

Fish Survey
Tropical Western Atlantic
12/6/2025 to 12/13/2025
Tracey Griffin, Cozumel Naturalist and Expert REEF Surveyor

Our annual Cozumel trip is known for its many unique fish finds, including the Cozumel-endemic Splendid Toadfish as well as high concentrations of other interesting species like Cherubfish, Blackcap Basslets, and Sargassum Triggerfish.

One Space Available - email trips@REEF.org to register!
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Southern Cross Club, Little Cayman

Little Cayman Field Survey Trip

Fish Survey
Tropical Western Atlantic
12/6/2025 to 12/13/2025
Janna Nichols, REEF Citizen Science Program Manager

At just 10 square miles, Little Cayman remains true to what a Caribbean Island should be. The Island was mostly uninhabited and rarely visited until the mid-19th century and to this day continues to have limited development.

Please inquire for availability at trips@REEF.org
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Negril, Jamacia

Jamaica Field Survey Trip

Fish Survey
Tropical Western Atlantic
3/14/2026 to 3/21/2026
Mead Krówka, Education Coordinator

Negril, Jamaica is home to a famous 7-mile beach with white-sand and turquoise waters right out of a postcard. The family-owned boutique hotel, Travellers Beach Resort, is centrally located with all of the amenities and activities you can think of.

Spaces available - register today!
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Cayman Brac Beach Resort, Cayman Brac

Cayman Brac Field Survey Trip

Fish Survey
Tropical Western Atlantic
4/4/2026 to 4/11/2026
Noa Parks, Citizen Science Coordinator and Jill Kuehnert, Campus Director

Cayman Brac Beach Resort has something for every diver.

Spaces available - register today!
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NAI'A Liveaboard, Fiji

Fiji Field Survey Trip

Fish Survey
South Pacific / Indo Pacific / Indian Ocean / Red Sea
4/18/2026 to 4/28/2026
Christy Pattengill-Semmens Ph.D and Martha Klitzkie, REEF Co-Executive Directors

Fiji is known as a hotspot for diving, with massive schools of pelagics such as Bigeye Trevally, Scad, and Barracuda, Gray Reef and Whitetip Reef Sharks, and unusual creatures like the Leaf Scorpionfish and Ornate Ghost Pipefish.

Spaces available - register today!
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REEF Campus, Key Largo, FL

2026 Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Arts Festival

4/22/2026 9:00am EDT to 4/26/2026 5:00pm EDT

Our 17th Annual Florida Keys Lionfish Derby will culminate in a Family Friendly Conservation Science and Arts Festival.

REEF Campus, Key Largo, FL

2026 Florida Keys Lionfish Derby

4/23/2026 5:00pm EDT to 4/26/2026 8:00pm EDT

 

REEF's 17th annual Florida Keys Lionfish Derby will culminate on Sunday April 26, 2026 at the REEF Ocean Exploration Center. This will include a lionfish weigh-in, awards, and conservation science and arts festival open to the public.

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