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.