Author: Harrison Gaunt, REEF Marine Conservation Fellow
This summer has been filled with exciting REEF Discovery Programs and Expeditions for participants of all ages. One of the most meaningful was a two-day program with the Adapt-Able Foundation, a veteran-operated nonprofit that creates opportunities for people with physical, emotional, and developmental disabilities to experience scuba diving.
On their first day at the REEF Ocean Exploration Center, participants learned about the Volunteer Fish Survey Project and practiced identifying fish commonly found in the Florida Keys. The next day, the group traveled to the Christ of the Abyss dive site in Key Largo, where the divers put their new skills to work alongside REEF staff and completed their own fish surveys.
"The positivity and enthusiasm of the Adapt-Able divers and volunteers were truly inspiring. I am so grateful to have shared this experience with them!" - Harrison Gaunt, REEF Marine Conservation Fellow
Back at the Ocean Exploration Center, participants submitted a survey together and learned about invasive lionfish and REEF's work to reduce their impact on native marine ecosystems. The program concluded with a lionfish dissection, where the group discovered both a juvenile lionfish and a sea robin in the fish's stomach.
The Adapt-Able divers and volunteers made this a truly special experience, and REEF looks forward to collaborating on more programs in the future.
Author: Noa Parks, Citizen Science Coordinator
The Great Annual Fish Count for 2026 has come to an end! Thank you to everyone who participated, and to all of our amazing partners who hosted events in their own communities.
This year, we had a total of 1,042 surveys submitted by 222 people throughout the month of July. We also had 18 events organized by volunteers and partner organizations all over the world, from Bonaire to the Maldives, and many places in between! These events actively engaged hundreds of community members in marine conservation.
The Great Annual Fish Count began more than 30 years ago and has been a REEF tradition ever since. Held each July, its main purpose is to engage the public in REEF's Volunteer Fish Survey Project and celebrate the power of citizen science. Anyone and everyone can participate. Whether you are a seasoned surveyor or brand new to fishwatching, and whether you are joining an organized event or surveying on your own, the GAFC is always a great time to get involved.
Can I only submit surveys in July? A common question, and the answer is no! REEF needs data year-round, and we encourage you to submit surveys any time you are able.
Author: Stacey Henderson, Field Survey Trips Program Manager
If your dream dive vacation includes colorful coral reefs, incredible marine life, and the opportunity to support ocean conservation, REEF's 2027 Field Survey Trips offer something for every underwater explorer. Each trip combines unforgettable diving with citizen science, giving participants the chance to collect valuable survey data while exploring some of the Tropical Western Atlantic's most spectacular destinations. Best of all, these trips are just a short journey from the U.S.
The TWA adventure begins February 20-27, 2027 with a trip to St. Vincent, where volcanic landscapes continue beneath the surface. Divers can expect healthy reefs, abundant reef fish, and the chance to encounter unique Caribbean species while sharpening their fish identification skills alongside REEF staff. (2 spaces left) More information here.
May 1-8, 2027, REEF heads to Saba, the "Unspoiled Queen" of the Caribbean. Its protected marine park is known for dramatic pinnacles, thriving coral reefs, and exceptional biodiversity, with frequent encounters with schooling reef fish and visiting pelagic species. More information here.
June 26 – July 7, 2027, brings one of REEF's most popular destinations: Roatán, Honduras. Spectacular reef systems, easy diving, and incredible fish diversity make it an ideal destination for both new and experienced surveyors. Daily fish identification presentations and survey workshops help participants build confidence while contributing meaningful observations to REEF's global database. More information here.
October 23-30, 2027, REEF visits Grand Cayman, where crystal-clear water, dramatic wall dives, and thriving Caribbean reefs provide outstanding survey opportunities. More information here.
The year concludes December 4-11, 2027, with the annual trip to Cozumel, Mexico, famous for exhilarating drift dives, exceptional visibility, and the chance to spot the endemic Splendid Toadfish. More information here.
Every REEF Field Survey Trip is more than a dive vacation. Participants receive expert fish identification training, gain hands-on survey experience, and contribute valuable data used by scientists and resource managers to better understand and protect reef ecosystems. Space is limited, and many trips fill quickly, so reserve your spot and join REEF for an unforgettable year of diving with purpose. Email trips@REEF.org with questions or to sign up!
Author: Tom Sparke, Communications Manager
REEF Fest returns to Key Largo October 15–18, 2026, and this year's free seminar series brings an exciting lineup of scientists, naturalists, and explorers to the REEF Ocean Exploration Center. Here's a look at who's taking the stage this year alongside the REEF team.
Exploring Earth's Final Frontier: Discoveries from the Deep Ocean
Dr. Sam Purkis — Professor and Chair, Department of Marine Geosciences, University of Miami
The deep ocean remains one of the least explored places on Earth, hiding underwater mountain ranges, active volcanoes, vast coral ecosystems, and brine-filled lakes where life persists under conditions once thought impossible. Marine geologist and explorer Dr. Sam Purkis shares stories from expeditions aboard OceanX and Inkfish vessels, from the Red Sea to the Pacific and beyond. Using advanced submersibles, ROVs, and cutting-edge mapping technology, these voyages reveal how the deep sea preserves records of Earth's past. Combining science, exploration, and adventure, this presentation offers a rare glimpse into a world few people will ever see firsthand.
Something Seems Fishy: Forensic Science in Wildlife Conservation
Aisha Rickli-Rahman — Conservation Biologist
While true crime remains a popular topic in the media, wildlife crime is equally pervasive and often linked to human-based offenses. This talk examines the intersection of forensic science and wildlife conservation, exploring the methods used to solve crimes against humans and how they can be leveraged to protect the natural world. From using a single fillet to expose fraudulent fish markets to investigating toxicological events in bird populations, discover how forensic tools can pinpoint transgressions against wildlife, their habitats, and their very survival.
Fishes of the Everglades
Dr. Jennifer Rehage — Associate Professor, Institute of Environment, Florida International University
Join Dr. Jennifer Rehage for a journey into the diverse fish communities of the Everglades and South Florida, one of the most dynamic and ecologically rich systems in North America. This talk explores the species that call these waters home, the natural and human forces shaping their future, and what they reveal about the health of the ecosystem we all depend on.
Seminars are held on the second floor of the REEF Ocean Exploration Center (98380 Overseas Hwy., Key Largo, FL 33037). They are free and open to the public, but pre-registration is requested. Can't join us in person? Seminars will be livestreamed on the REEF Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Don't miss out. Register today at www.REEF.org/REEFfest.
Author: Tom Sparke, Communications Manager
August is National Make a Will Month, a fitting moment to think about the ocean you want to leave behind. For 36 years, REEF has protected marine life through citizen science, education, and partnerships with the scientific community. A planned gift is one of the most powerful ways to make sure that work continues for generations to come.
Including REEF in your will or estate plans is simpler than many people expect, and it costs nothing today. A gift through your will, retirement plan, or trust can also carry meaningful tax benefits for you and your family. When you let us know of your intentions, you join REEF's Legacy Society. As a Legacy Society member, you automatically become a REEF Sustainer, with invitations to private events at REEF Fest and REEF by the Sea.
We know these are personal decisions, and they often come with questions. A senior member of the REEF team would be glad to talk things through with you, confidentially and with no obligation. Whether you are just exploring the idea or ready to put plans in place. To set up a call, email giving@REEF.org or phone 305-852-0030.
And if you have already included REEF in your estate plans, we would love to hear from you. Letting us know means we can thank you properly and welcome you into our Legacy Society. Your intentions remain entirely confidential, and your gift can stay anonymous if you prefer.
You can also find bequest language, giving options, and answers to common questions on our planned giving page.
REEF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Our tax ID number is 65-0270064. We are not able to provide legal, tax, or investment advice; please consult your own advisors before making any gift.
Author: Tom Sparke, Communications Manager
A familiar face is back at REEF, and we could not be more excited to welcome her. Daisy Anderson (she/her) has rejoined the team as our newest Marine Conservation Fellow, serving from July 2026 through May 2027. Daisy first came to REEF as an Education and Conservation Intern in the summer of 2025, and we are delighted that she has returned to continue her journey with us.
Daisy graduated from James Madison University in May 2026 with a bachelor's degree in biology and a concentration in Ecology and Environmental Biology. It was during her college coursework that she discovered her love for marine biology, along with a deep passion for conservation and public outreach. Through her studies and leadership roles, she realized she wants to help bridge the gap between formal science and public understanding, especially in marine conservation. She is particularly interested in combining hands-on wildlife work with education to inspire others to care for the natural world.
Outside of work, Daisy enjoys running, reading, hiking, and playing guitar with friends and family. During her fellowship, she hopes to earn her PADI Advanced Open Water certification and continue growing her communication and conservation skills.
Please join us in welcoming Daisy back to the REEF family!
Author: Tom Sparke, Communications Manager
Meet our August Fish of the Month, the Grey Reef Shark, Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos, one of the most iconic reef predators of the Indo-Pacific and an unforgettable sight for any diver lucky enough to share the water with one. Sleek, curious, and perfectly built for life along the reef edge, it is a true ambassador for healthy ocean ecosystems.
Survey Regions: Grey Reef Sharks are found across the Central Indo-Pacific (CIP), South Pacific (SOP), and Indian Ocean / Red Sea (IORS) survey regions. REEF volunteers most often log them along outer reef slopes, drop-offs, and current-swept channels, where these sharks patrol in search of prey.
Size: Typically 1.2–1.9 m / 4–6 ft. Streamlined and muscular, they are built for quick bursts of speed along the reef.
Identifying Features: Look for a classic grey body fading to a paler underside, and the telltale broad black margin along the trailing edge of the tail fin. Unlike the Blacktip or Whitetip, the Grey Reef Shark's first dorsal fin is plain or only faintly tipped, while that dark rear tail band is the giveaway once you know what to look for.
Fun Facts: Grey Reef Sharks are highly social, often gathering in groups by day and dispersing to hunt at night. They are also famous for a dramatic "warning display" by arching the back, dropping the pectoral fins, and swimming in an exaggerated pattern. A clear signal to give them a little space. As apex reef predators, their presence is one of the best signs that a reef system is thriving.
See the Grey Reef Shark in the wild. Want to meet this reef icon in person? Join us on our Palau Field Survey Trip, January 17–27, 2027, an unforgettable 10-night adventure aboard the Palau Aggressor II. Following the Best of Palau itinerary and timed with the full moon, divers will witness the spectacular spawning of Red Snapper, Moorish Idols, and Orangespined Unicornfish while drift diving some of the most current-swept, shark-rich reefs on the planet. Spaces are available! Reach out to us today by emailing trips@REEF.org.
