KEY LARGO, FLA. - Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) invites ocean enthusiasts and fitness fans everywhere to join the movement to protect marine life during the 2025 Fish Out of Water Virtual 5K, taking place from June 8-14, 2025.

This unique, family-friendly event encourages participants to complete a 5K via an activity of their choice - anytime, anywhere, all while supporting REEF’s mission to protect ocean ecosystems through citizen science, education, and research.

Now in its sixth year, the Fish Out of Water Virtual 5K brings together a global community of ocean advocates. Participants can run, walk, hike, bike, swim, or paddle to complete their 5K. Registration is $55 per person and is open at www.REEF.org/5K. All registrants will receive a limited-edition race shirt, downloadable race bib, set of fish stickers, and digital toolkit with social media badges to share.

Fish Out of Water 5K participants will choose to join one of five Fish Teams. Each team represents an iconic fish species monitored by citizen scientists through REEF’s Volunteer Fish Survey Project. Here are this year’s Fish Teams:

• The Red Irish Lord has a mottled pattern that helps them to blend into shallow, rocky environments and makes them excellent ambush predators. They feast on small, unsuspecting crustaceans and fish.
• Scarlet-fin Flasher Wrasses are known for their vibrant colors. Males perform dramatic courtship displays by flaring or “flashing” their fins in order to attract females.
• The Moorish Idol is easily recognizable as this species is Gill from Finding Nemo! It is also the only species in its family.
• The European Parrotfish are found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. They use their beak-like mouths to scrape algae and small invertebrates off the rocks.
• Balloonfish have an amazing defense mechanism: when threatened, they can take in water or air to expand their body to two to three times its original size!

Join as a group by forming a “Fish Shoals” with family, friends, co-workers, dive buddies, or any group of ocean lovers looking to make a splash.

Fish Out of Water 5K proceeds support REEF’s Oceans for All Fund. This fund provides ocean-focused educational opportunities for underserved communities and those with financial need; allowing REEF to increase inclusive programming for populations traditionally underrepresented in science, diving, and conservation. Learn more and register at www.REEF.org/5K.

About REEF
Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) conserves marine environments worldwide. Our mission is to protect biodiversity and ocean life by actively engaging and inspiring the public through citizen science, education, and partnerships with the scientific community. For more information, visit www.REEF.org.

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