Author: Christy Pattengill-Semmens, Ph.D., Co-Executive Director: Science & Engagement
Did you know that fish sing? Just like birds, they use sounds for courtship and other communication. These sounds can provide a useful tool to monitor large aggregations of fish that supplements other more field intensive monitoring approaches such as visual surveys. Exciting new research exploring this behavior was recently published from our team of scientists with the Grouper Moon Project. The study, published in the journal Ecological Applications last month, looked at best practices for using hydrophones (aka underwater microphones) and AI to monitor the choruses of aggregating grouper. The authors evaluated trends in the detection of aggregation-associated sounds (AAS) made by Nassau Grouper using an array of six hydrophones deployed across the large Nassau Grouper spawning aggregation on Little Cayman, Cayman Islands. The hydrophones collected continuous data for nine days during a winter spawning season. The findings of the study suggest hydrophone placement can strongly influence AAS detection rates. Given the unpredicable movement and behavior of aggregating fish at spawning sites , the authors recommend that hydrophone arrays be of sufficient size to capture the site-wide trends in AAS rates.
Visit the REEF Publications page at www.REEF.org/db/publications to read the full study online and to see a full listing of all scientific papers that have used REEF data and programs. To learn more about the Grouper Moon Project, visit www.REEF.org/programs/grouper-moon-project.
The Grouper Moon Project is a partnership between REEF and the Cayman Islands Department of Environment, in collaboration with The Semmens Lab at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Oregon Statue University Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences.
Author: Jill Kuehnert, Campus Director
Welcome to our quarterly REEF Campus update, featuring a seasonal snapshot of what’s happening at the Ocean Exploration Center and REEF Campus in Key Largo. From community events and educational programs to behind-the-scenes updates and visitor highlights, this quarterly feature brings you closer to the heart of REEF.
It’s hard to believe that it has already been three months since we officially opened the doors to REEF’s Ocean Exploration Center in Key Largo! This new chapter has brought a wave of exciting transformations, from lush landscaping and thoughtfully redesigned workspaces to expanded community programs and vibrant public events. Here are some highlights from our first season:
The Florida Keys community is embracing the Ocean Exploration Center. Since our grand opening during World Ocean Day weekend in June, we’ve received an enthusiastic response from locals and partners. We even welcomed a group of international marine managers hosted by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. After a morning of presentations, they enjoyed lunch in our newly refreshed garden filled with native plants, and explored the Center's interactive exhibits.
Visitors are giving us five-star reviews. Whether they found us online or walked in after driving past us on Overseas Highway, our guests have been loving what they see. We’re proud to be featured on platforms like Google, TripAdvisor, and Yelp, with glowing, five-star reviews praising our friendly team, hands-on exhibits, and programs for all ages. One recent review summed it up perfectly: “The exhibits are beautiful, the staff is knowledgeable and courteous, and the interactive activities are fun and educational - my family loved it!” - Jennifer L., TripAdvisor, June 2025
We've hosted several travel writers and media crews. Just last month, US News & World Report named the Ocean Exploration Center one of the Top 10 Things to Do in Key Largo! Thank you to our partners at Visit Florida Keys for their support in establishing these connections.
Our education and outreach programs have a brand new home. The monthly REEF Fish & Friends lecture series is now hosted on the second floor of the Center in the high-tech and spacious Ocean Outreach Gallery, with standing-room-only crowds all summer long. Recent speakers have included REEF Co-Founder Ned DeLoach, Dr. Chris Malinowski, star of Netflix’s All the Sharks, and Malachi Fenn of Florida Public Archaeology Network. Every Tuesday night, our weekly Ocean After Hours program features hands-on marine activities, ocean-themed games, and community events for ocean lovers of every age. Each week brings a fresh experience, from workshops and trivia to creative art projects and science spotlights. Visit this page to see upcoming Ocean After Hours events.
Whether you’ve visited in person or supported us from afar, we hope all REEF members feel proud of what we’ve accomplished together. The Ocean Exploration Center is more than a building, it’s a vibrant new hub for marine conservation, citizen science, and community connection. You can keep up with what's happening at the Center by subscribing to our monthly REEF Campus & Keys Community email newsletter here. We hope to welcome you for a visit soon!
Author: Amy Lee, Communications Manager
REEF Fest is returning to Key Largo this October 16-19, 2025, and one of the most anticipated parts of the weekend is the free seminar series, now hosted in the brand-new REEF Ocean Exploration Center. These engaging talks feature marine scientists, conservationists, and underwater explorers who will share more about their work and storytelling. This year’s presentations take place on Friday, Oct. 17 and Saturday, Oct. 18. All seminars are free and open to the public, and will be live-streamed and recorded for later viewing. Check out all the details at www.REEF.org/REEFfest. Seminars include:
"Can Reef Tanks Save Coral? Hobbyists and the Future of the Healthy Ocean" presented by Sam Muka, Associate Professor at Stevens Institute of Technology: Sam will explore how hobbyists and home aquariums have influenced coral conservation while sharing insights from her book Oceans under Glass: Tank Craft and the Sciences of the Sea.
“Tracking Shark and Ray Sightings Across the Caribbean: Insights from Decades of Citizen Science Data" presented by Brendan Talwar, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Scholar at Scripps Institution of Oceanography: Using REEF’s survey data from 1993 to 2024, Brendan will highlight population trends for sharks and rays, revealing the effects of established Shark Sanctuaries and how citizen observers power long-term marine research.
"Why I Cave Dive When There’s No Fish: An Introduction to the World of Cave Diving" presented by Nat Gibb, Underwater Photographer and Videographer: Nat will share her journey into the thrilling world of cave diving and exploration through her captivating imagery and stories.
“Participatory Science: A Valuable Tool for Biodiversity Research” presented by Dr. Corey T. Callaghan, Assistant Professor in Wildlife Ecology & Conservation at the University of Florida: Learn how citizen science - from backyard birding to fish surveys - is transforming biodiversity research, monitoring species in real time, and informing conservation policies across ecosystems.
Be sure to drop by the Open House at the REEF Campus on Oct. 16, and join us for the Happy Hour Social between seminars on Oct. 17. You may also purchase your ticket to the For the Love of the Sea Celebration on Oct. 18. The event is hosted at a beautiful location overlooking Florida Bay, and includes appetizers, dinner, an open bar, and a silent auction. We hope to see you there!
Author: Rose Kelly, Education Coordinator
Educators - are you looking to elevate your next field trip? Invite a REEF marine scientist to virtually join your group for a Q&A! REEF’s Virtual Field Trips (available for grades 3 to high school) include a scientist visit, in which a REEF staff member meets virtually with your class to provide an interactive session for your students or club. Virtual Field Trips are free and include a variety of resources such as handouts and worksheets to ensure that your lessons meet educational standards. After completing the Virtual Field Trip lesson, students can interact with a scientist to ask questions and share observations. This opportunity truly brings science to life! Whether underwater or on land, REEF Ocean Explorers Programs can make your next adventure a meaningful learning experience. For more info, visit www.REEF.org/explorers or email explorers@REEF.org to schedule a program.
Author: Stacey Henderson, Field Survey Trips Program Manager
Submissions for the 2025 REEF Discover the Sea Underwater Photography Contest are now open! All ocean photographers are invited to submit their favorite photos. It’s free to enter, and you may submit up to three photos per person in each of the following categories:
• Fish Portrait: Portrait shots of fish only; may include the fish's whole body or be framed around the head only
• Macro: Close up shots that make the subject appear "larger than life"
• Invertebrates: Photos featuring ocean life with no spine
• Comedy: photos may include your best comedic photos, from weird faces, the worst photo bombs, to hilarious mishaps
• Habitat/Seascape/Environment: Photos of an ocean environment or seascape. They do not have to be underwater but must be marine-focused, such as over/under shots, mangroves, or topside water shots.
Submissions close at noon ET on September 19. Online public voting will be from September 20-30. First, second, and third place winners will be selected for each category. The winning photos will be featured on our social media and communications channels. Visit www.REEF.org/photocontest for rules, submission guidelines, and to see past year's winners.
Photo credits from L-R: Aiden Conners, Michelle Taylor, Gabriel Jensen, Tom Baker, David Fishman.
Author: Amy Lee, Communications Manager
We are excited to welcome our Fall 2025 Marine Education & Conservation Interns to REEF! They will assist with education, outreach, events, and more at the REEF Ocean Exploration Center in Key Largo. Since 1993, more than 150 young adults have interned with REEF and transitioned into careers all over the world, in the marine conservation field and beyond. Please join us in welcoming Sammy, Rebecca, Stacie, and Harrison (pictured from L-R). Here's some more about them:
Sammy Brown graduated from the University of Miami with a triple major in marine affairs, political science, and geography & sustainable development. She discovered her passion for education while working as a naturalist at the Key Biscayne Nature Center. She served as president of the Florida Ocean Advocacy Team, which connects students without prior marine experience to ocean advocacy. As a member of the logistics committee for WAVES (Water Advocates and Visionaries for the Environment and Sea), Sammy created a lesson plan in collaboration with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, helping expand access to marine science in local classrooms. A certified Rescue Diver, she has surveyed sea turtles and volunteered with Mote Marine Laboratory’s coral restoration program. She is excited to join REEF’s team and looks forward to building on her outreach and education skills.
Harrison Gaunt graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in sports business and finance. A lifelong ocean enthusiast, he found his calling in conservation after a volunteer trip to Thailand, where he earned his scuba certification and worked on coral reef restoration. He recently interned at OdySea Aquarium, where he worked on a research project exploring how parrots learn vocalizations. Harrison is excited to join the REEF team and gain hands-on experience in marine science and nonprofit work.
Stacie Strombom graduated from Knox College with a B.A. in environmental studies. In college, she studied abroad in Panama, where she became scuba certified. She began her journey as an environmental educator when she interned as an ecology teacher for the Advanced Studies Program at St. Paul’s School. She has also led after school programs and camps at South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve in Oregon, where she shared her love of the ocean with kids and adults. She is very excited to develop her educational skills and understanding of marine conservation during her time with REEF.
Rebecca Swartz graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in marine studies. In college she joined a short study abroad course in Palau, where she focused on sustainable resource management and conservation. She also volunteered at the Marine Mammal Care Center, where she led tours and educated the public about the importance of ocean conservation. She also completed Capstone projects on eelgrass restorations throughout Oregon and marine mammal strandings along the coast. Rebecca has had a passion for the ocean since she was young, and is very excited to be part of the the REEF team this fall.
For more information about the Marine Conservation Internship or to apply for an upcoming semester, visit www.REEF.org/internship.
Author: REEF Team
On behalf of the REEF Staff and Board of Trustees, we extend a heartfelt thanks and big fishy appreciation to Janet Camp for serving as a REEF Trustee for over a decade. After becoming a REEF member in 2011, Janet joined the REEF Board in 2014. Having worked with nonprofits for over 40 years, Janet brought extensive finance, budgeting, and governance experience to the REEF Board. We are grateful for the heart and soul she gave to REEF as a Board member these past 11 years. Thankfully, this isn't goodbye! Janet will continue to stay involved with REEF as an active Volunteer Fish Survey Project surveyor and participant on REEF Trips. Thank you, Janet!
Growing up in land-locked Oklahoma, it would seem unlikely for Janet to become an ocean lover; however, with a native Floridian as her father, Janet became a certified scuba diver as a teenager, almost 50 years ago. With a BS in Chemistry and MS in Engineering Management, Janet worked as a Semiconductor Research Engineer developing processes for creating microchips at Texas Instruments for many years before she and her husband, Doug, traded their “corporate, city life” for rural entrepreneurship, owning and operating a bed & breakfast in Taos, New Mexico, for nearly a decade. After meeting Paul Humann while diving in Fiji in 2011, Janet immediately joined REEF and participated in her first REEF Field Survey Trip. She has since gone on to become a prolific surveyeor and is an Expert in six regions. She became a member of the Golden Hamlet Club when she conducted her 1000th REEF survey in March 2023. When they are not traveling, Janet and Doug split their time between Austin, Texas, and Colorado.
Author: Noa Parks, Citizen Science Coordinator
Our online programs are free and open to all! Check out what's coming up, and view the entire schedule of Fishinars and other online programs, as well as 200+ recorded Fishinars here.
Underwater Photo Editing Using Adobe Lightroom
Thursday, September 11, 8pm ET
Click here to register.
Join REEF staff member and avid underwater photographer, Stacey Henderson as he unveils tips and tricks about using the popular post-processing tool, Adobe Lightroom to edit your underwater photos. Just in time for the 2025 Discover the Sea Photography Contest!
Author: Stacey Henderson, Field Survey Trips Program Manager
Join REEF’s upcoming Field Survey Trip to Jardines de la Reina (Gardens of the Queen), Cuba, on June 27-July 4, 2026! This protected marine park is one of the Caribbean’s most pristine ecosystems, where divers regularly encounter large snapper, grouper, and sharks among vibrant, healthy coral reefs. Surveyors will also have the rare opportunity to spot the dazzling Golden Fairy Basslet while contributing valuable data to REEF’s marine conservation efforts.
REEF Field Survey Trips are eco-vacations led by marine life experts. Each trip features daily dives and fish ID classes for both beginners and experienced surveyors. To book your space on a REEF Trip, email trips@REEF.org. We hope to "sea" you underwater soon!
Check out some of our upcoming trips, including:
Curacao: November 1-8, 2025 -- More information here.
Cozumel: December 6-13, 2025 -- More information here.
Jamaica: March 14-21, 2026 -- More information here.
Cayman Brac: April 4-11, 2026 -- More information here.
Fiji: April 18-28, 2026 -- More information here.
St. Eustatius: May 9-16, 2026 -- More information here.
Cuba: June 27-July 4, 2026 -- More information here.
Tubbataha, Philippines: June 28-July 8, 2026 -- More information here.
Photo by Stacey Henderson.
Author: The REEF Team
Introducing our September Fish of the Month, the Ornate Wrasse, Thalassoma pavo!
Survey Regions: Ornate Wrasses are found throughout the Mediterranean Sea and northeast Atlantic Ocean, including islands like the Azores and Canary Islands. Click here to see a distribution report for this species in the REEF database.
Size: They are typically about 8 inches long.
Identifying Features: Ornate Wrasses have a blue pattern on their head and thin blue-green bars on a yellow to greenish-orange body. Terminal phase males (pictured) have a large blue bar behind the head.
Fun Facts: Ornate Wrasses are typically found in shallow water on rocky bottoms. They often forage in groups
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for our next Fish of the Month.
Photo by Stacey Henderson.
