Author: The REEF Team
There’s never been a better time to support REEF’s marine conservation mission! Throughout July, all donations to REEF are being matched dollar for dollar, up to $70,000, thanks to a group of generous foundation partners. That means your gift will go twice as far to support our ocean conservation programs. Your gift during this matching opportunity helps REEF empower citizen scientists around the world through the Volunteer Fish Survey Project, conduct science-based research to protect endangered species, develop hands-on education and outreach programs for all ages, and maintain the world’s largest publicly accessible marine life sightings database.
Every gift makes a difference, and every dollar donated by July 31 will be doubled! Make your matched donation today at www.REEF.org/donate. Thank you for being part of the REEF community and helping protect the oceans we all love.
Author: Carolyn Corley, Education Coordinator
Looking for a fun and educational way to spend your Tuesday evenings in the Florida Keys? Join us for Ocean After Hours, a brand-new weekly series at the REEF Ocean Exploration Center in Key Largo! Every Tuesday from 6–8pm, we’re hosting hands-on marine activities, ocean-themed games, and community events, designed for ocean lovers of every age.
Each week brings a fresh experience, from workshops and trivia to creative art projects and science spotlights. Here’s are some of the exciting events we have coming up at Ocean After Hours:
July 22 – Gyotaku Night: Explore the traditional Japanese art of fish printing. Create your own unique fish-themed keepsake to take home in this hands-on art night for all ages.
July 29 – Paws & Petals with MarrVelous Pet Rescue: Join our friends at MarrVelous Pet Rescue for a special evening of building your own flower bouquet. Advance registration required through MarrVelous Pet Rescue.
Be sure to check our upcoming events page for the latest Ocean After Hours events by visiting this page. Whether you're a local or visiting Key Largo, Ocean After Hours is a great way to make waves in your week!
Author: Amy Lee, Communications Manager
REEF Fest 2025 is happening this fall, and we’re thrilled to invite you to Key Largo, Florida from October 16-19 for a vibrant weekend celebrating marine conservation, citizen science, and community. Highlights include:
• Free ocean seminars with world-class experts, including scientists, underwater photographers, and more
• Socials every evening, including the For the Love of the Sea waterfront celebration with appetizers, dinner, and drinks. Discounted tickets are $95 until August 15; then increase to $125
• Exploring the Florida Keys, with plenty of time for your favorite diving, snorkeling, and other ocean experiences
• Touring the brand new REEF Ocean Exploration Center
For more information and to view the full schedule of events or register, visit www.REEF.org/REEFfest.
REEF Fest Partners & Sponsors wanted! REEF will be referring attendees to a select group of business, experience and hospitality partners who support high-quality, eco-friendly ocean experiences. Contact Jill Kuehnert, REEF Campus Director at jill@REEF.org now to sign up and make the most of this opportunity.
Author: Amy Lee, Communications Manager
REEF members are the heart of our grassroots marine conservation programs. A diverse community of divers, snorkelers, and ocean enthusiasts support our mission to conserve marine environments worldwide.
This month we highlight Gail Roberts, a REEF member who lives in Italy. She joined REEF in 2020 and has conducted nearly 500 REEF surveys! Gail conducts all of her surveys while snorkeling in the Eastern Atlantic & Mediterranean (EAM) region, and with 499 EAM surveys submitted so far, she is the region's most active surveyor. We're so thankful to have a dedicated member like Gail!
When and how did you first volunteer with REEF or become a REEF member? How did you first hear about REEF?
I first participated in a REEF survey on a trip to Hawaii. I was very impressed by my friend’s knowledge and ability to identify all the species.
What inspires you to complete REEF surveys?
Every time I do a survey I’m excited to see old friends and occasionally discover something new.
Do you dive or snorkel close to where you live, and if so, what is the best part about diving/snorkeling there?
My favorite place to snorkel is just across the street from my new home. In fact, it influenced my motivation to move there! It’s a spot on the Mediterranean where mountain spring water meets the sea, and you swim from warm sea water into chilly currents of magnesium and sulfur-rich mountain sources. The fish seem to like bouncing in this limbo as well.
What is the most fascinating fish encounter you’ve experienced?
My favorite snorkeling memory is when I rescued a large mullet that had been hooked by a fisherman and then somehow gotten snagged on a float in the water. I was able to unhook the line that tethered it, and it looked at me thankfully before it swam away.
Author: Noa Parks, Citizen Science Coordinator
July has arrived, and so has one of the most exciting marine citizen science events of the year: the Great Annual Fish Count (GAFC)! Hosted each July, the GAFC encourages divers and snorkelers around the world to explore the underwater world, learn about marine biodiversity, and contribute valuable data through the Volunteer Fish Survey Project.
Whether you're an experienced surveyor or brand new to fish ID, the GAFC is a fantastic way to connect with fellow ocean enthusiasts and make an impact.
How Does It Work?
REEF's Volunteer Fish Survey Project uses a simple, fun roving diver technique to record fish sightings. Participants note which species they see and how many, categorizing them by abundance. All you need is a slate, a pencil, a reference guide (and/or camera for mystery fish!), and internet access to submit your data. Want to level up your skills? REEF’s online store has underwater paper, ID guides, and both in-person and home-study fish ID courses.
Looking for GAFC Events?
REEF’s online event calendar makes it easy to find local GAFC gatherings or even host your own. Events can include fish ID classes followed by survey dives or snorkels, and some include potlucks, raffles, and BBQs. However you participate, it's all about sharing the joy of fish watching and marine conservation.
Who Can Participate?
Everyone is welcome! Whether you're diving or snorkeling, a seasoned surveyor or a curious first-timer, the GAFC is open to all.
By joining the GAFC, you're doing more than simply counting fish - you’re collecting important info about our oceans. REEF surveyors have contributed to groundbreaking discoveries, including documenting new species, mapping distributions, tracking invasives, and observing population trends. While the GAFC happens throughout July, REEF surveys can be done anytime, anywhere within REEF’s survey regions. To learn more, browse resources, and register your own event, visit www.fishcount.org.
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.
Fishinar: Common Fishes of the Eastern Atlantic
Tuesday, July 22, 8pm ET
Click here to register.
On this virtual journey to the Eastern Atlantic, REEF staff member Stacey Henderson will cover some of the most common fish species you will see while diving in this remarkable area.
Tompot Blenny photo by Stacey Henderson
Author: Stacey Henderson, Field Survey Trips Program Manager
While our 2025 Field Survey Trips are filling fast, there’s still plenty of space to join us in 2026, like our Cayman Brac trip, taking place April 4–11, 2026! Cayman Brac Beach Resort has something for everyone to enjoy, including comfortable accommodations, chef-prepared meals, and daily morning and afternoon boat dives. Reef Divers’ personalized valet services make it easy to enjoy exploring underwater.
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!
Limited space is available on 2025 trips, including a male shared space on Anilao. See links for these trips and more below:
El Heirro, Canary Islands: August 16-23, 2025 -- More information here.
Anilao, Philippines: October 25 - November 4, 2025 -- More information here.
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.
Author: Janna Nichols, Citizen Science Program Manager
Welcome to the Citizen Science Corner, our quarterly feature to celebrate those who recently reached a milestone in our Volunteer Fish Survey Project. Here are achievements from April, May and June 2025.
100 Survey Milestone
This is a new award for REEF members who have conducted 100+ surveys. Congratulations to those who have earned this award within the last three months!
- Harvey Suprenant
- Kevin Abbott
- Jim Minor
- Carolyn Corley
Experience Level Advancements
REEF Experience Levels are a way for divers and snorkelers to measure their fish ID knowledge along with their surveying experience. Experience Levels are achieved by submitting a certain number of surveys and passing a fish ID test. For more info, visit www.REEF.org/experiencelevels. Let's hear it for these REEF members who have advanced an Experience Level!
All listed below are Level 2 unless otherwise noted.
California (CAL)
Casey O' Conner
Ella Crotty
Eloi Agnus
Frank Anicoche
Hawaii (HAW)
Kristi Draper
Sydney Brock
Northeast US & Eastern Canada (NE)
Michele Doucet - Level 5
Pacific Northwest (PNW)
Brad Redmond
Ian Dougen
South Pacific (SOP)
Alice Ribbens - Level 5
Will Ribbens - Level 4
James McKay - Levels 2 & 3
Shaina Michael - Levels 2 & 3
Bill Gross
Claire Diller
Janeen Judah
Jason Diller
Martha Klitzkie
Naomi Weber
Tropical Eastern Pacific (TEP)
Bridget McDonald
Kody McDonald
Tropical Western Atlantic (TWA)
Mariette Brommelcamp - Level 5
Danielle Klose - Level 5
Karen Garcia - Level 4
Linda Bilsing - Level 3
Aaliyah Erwin
Abby Rolleman
Abegail Diezel
Abigail Safriel
Addison Neilson
Adrian Davis
Aiden Voci
Aleena Jacobs
Alexis Valerian
Allison Foppe
Amanda Jenkins
Andrew Singletary
Anna Amha
Annika McIntosh
Antonella Menezes
Asher Strabdberg
Ashlyn Nelms
Baylee Smith
Ben Fagan
Bobby Gray
Brit Skolnik
Caila Palaia
Cal Booth
Caleb Spruill
Cambria Miller
Camila Rimoldi Ibanez
Carter Schmitt
Charles Stearns
Connor Schmitt
Cooper Zarra
Corbin Fretz
Dan Scoggin
David Hoffman
Diana Batista Dinu
Dylan Diezel
Elie Claerhout
Ella Schiron
Emily Stewart
Emma Boling
Emma Pranger
Erin Fraser
Gise de Laat
Graham Ehler
Gwyneth Wiseman
Hailey Hanson
Hanna McCord
Heidi Dun
Ilke Van Dooren
Isaac Mendieta
Isabelle Longley
Islay Morrison
Jada Jacquillard
James (Jim) Singletary
Jane Anderson
Janey Venable
Jayson Leem
Jennifer Jedd
Jeremy Rich
Jona Ahnfeldt
Jordan Kovach
Judy Elizalde-Salinas
Kayleigh Long
Kelly Snyder
Lana Le
Landon Pawling
Larissa Brkan
Lionel Charles
London Gainer
Lori Strickland
Lucas Batista Dinu
Lucas Genco
Luke Lowry
Marin McLeod
Martina May
Maryann Huffman
Max Blute
Maxwell Jallo
Mersina Caldwell
Nate Woods
Nicholas LaCourse
Nora Tripp
Olivia Byrd
Olivia Schnell
Owen Monte
Peyton Lockwood
Rachael Johnson
Riley Voci
Rose Clarke
Rose Kelly
Ruby Chang
Sabrina Black
Sam Haynes
Sarah Gilroy
Sari Trebesch
Sarra El Hamzaoui
Sofia Gonzalez
Sophia (Sophie) Bove
Sophia Roy
Sully Engh
Sutton Clayton
Sydney Farrar
Tom Tessmer
Valentina Chacon
Victoria Thomas
William Rainwater-Radcliffe
Author: The REEF Team
Introducing our July Fish of the Month, the Radiated Shanny, Ulvaria subbifurcata!
Survey Regions: The Radiated Shanny is found in the northern Atlantic Ocean from Newfoundland to Massachusetts, part of the Northeast US & Canada (NE) survey region. Click here to see a distribution report for this species in the REEF database.
Size: They grow to a maximum of 7 inches.
Identifying Features: The Radiated Shanny has a dark brown, elongated body and a rounded head. They have a dark mark radiating from under each eye, along the cheek.
Fun Facts: The Radiated Shanny is a member of the prickleback family. They can be found living among seaweed and rocks in shallow areas and on hard bottom habitats in deeper water.
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for our next Fish of the Month.
Photo by Jerry Shine.
