Author: The REEF Team
Mark your calendars: GivingTuesday is coming up on December 2! This global day of generosity is the perfect opportunity to show your support for REEF’s marine conservation and education programs.
This year, your gift will make double the impact. GivingTuesday contributions are being matched dollar for dollar, up to $40,000. Your support helps advance vital conservation science, ocean education, and community engagement that protect our oceans for future generations.
Keep an eye on your inbox as GivingTuesday approaches! We’ll be announcing this year’s limited-edition marine life photograph from Paul Humann’s collection, continuing the beloved tradition of sharing one of Paul’s stunning underwater images as a special thank-you for donors who give $250 or more during the winter season.
Please save the date for December 2 and join the movement to protect the oceans we all love. Together, we can make waves for marine conservation in 2026 and beyond. From all of us at REEF, thank you for your continued support!
Author: Christy Pattengill-Semmens, Ph.D., Co-Executive Director: Science & Engagement
Ever wondered how you can turn your dives and snorkels into meaningful marine conservation? REEF’s Volunteer Fish Survey Project is an easy and fun way to get involved in citizen science! No specialized training or scientific background is required - just curiosity, a love for the ocean, and a desire to learn. What began in 1993 as a simple idea to collect data on fishes, similar to how birdwatchers do on land, has grown into a global effort that has resulted in the world's largest and longest-running marine life sightings database in the world.
You can start surveying right away, whether you’re exploring an ocean near you or traveling abroad. REEF has plenty of resources to help you along the way, including archived Fishinars (free fish ID webinars), online quizzes, and species sighting summaries from past surveys. You’ll quickly get hooked on learning how to identify fish and spotting new species every time you dive or snorkel. Surveying is also fun with a buddy! You can survey with one of your dive friends, or join a REEF Field Survey Trip. REEF Trips are a fantastic way to meet fellow ocean lovers and boost your surveying skills. All the materials you need are available in the REEF Starter Kit, available in our online store. Once you have your survey slate, you're ready to dive in and start making a difference on your dives or snorkels. For more information about the REEF Volunteer Fish Survey Project and getting started, visit www.REEF.org/vfsp.
Photo by Stacey Henderson.
Author: Hilary Penner, Director of Program Development
REEF Ocean Explorers Programs offer a wide range of hands-on learning opportunities that promote curiosity and environmental stewardship. From fish identification to interactive lab activities, these programs are designed to bring marine science to life for students of all ages. One of our most popular programs is an invasive lionfish investigation and dissection. During these sessions, REEF staff lead participants through an engaging, hands-on exploration of this invasive predator. In many cases, groups work together in pairs or small teams to investigate their own lionfish, with the venomous spines safely removed before the activity begins.
The experience begins with a short anatomy lesson highlighting how the lionfish has expertly adapted to its environment, followed by a dissection and examination of its stomach contents. This part always sparks a flurry of excitement, complete with “Ew!” and “Ah!” reactions, as participants eagerly ask questions and make hypotheses about the fish’s diet. Examining the contents gives students clues about lionfish behavior and feeding habits, revealing why this species has become such a “perfect invader” in the Tropical Western Atlantic. Participants gain a deeper appreciation for how invasive lionfish impact reef ecosystems, and come away with a tangible connection to marine science and conservation.
Lionfish investigations can also be booked virtually as a Discovery Program for classrooms, clubs, or other learning groups. Help spread the word about this exciting and educational opportunity by sharing it with any educators you know! To learn more or schedule a session, contact visit www.REEF.org/explorers.
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 Kevin Abbott, a REEF member who lives in Pennsylvania. He joined REEF in 2019 and has conducted more than 125 REEF surveys! He has surveyed in several regions, including the Tropical Western Atlantic (TWA), where he is an Expert surveyor, as well as the Indian Ocean-Red Sea (IORS) and Eastern Atlantic & Mediterranean (EAM) regions. Thank you for all you do as a REEF member, Kevin!
When and how did you first volunteer with REEF or become a REEF member? How did you first hear about REEF?
Joy Winet at the Barrier Island Center in Melbourne Beach introduced me to REEF about 8 years ago. I was meeting with the gift shop coordinator there and describing the fish models I was working on designing when the manager said I should meet Joy, who was a REEF member. Joy said I could tag along on some of her surveys and introduced me to diving at the Blue Heron Bridge.
What is the most interesting thing you’ve learned doing a REEF fish survey?
I spent a chunk of my childhood exploring and snorkeling around Biscayne Bay and Elliot Key and learned to identify many of the fish with my Peterson Field Guide. I remember looking at the page with all the hamlet species and wondering when I'd see them, as well as many of the other fascinating fish on those pages. My parents were into diving and fish, but being in the Air Force we moved away. Many years later, I found my way back to that early interest and I have learned how to find most all the hamlet species. Now, having done a little over one hundred surveys, I find it interesting how much patience it takes to develop an eye or search image for the various species. I wonder how many things I never noticed during my early years and even now to this day!
In your opinion, what is the most important aspect of REEF’s projects and programs?
The relevance of what REEF is doing meshes with all the other wonderful citizen science and stewardship programs that people can be involved in regardless of profession. I think it is great that there are programs that involve interested citizens in environmental and land stewardship. An important part of this is learning how to identify plants and animals that give character to locations and noticing changes over time.
What is your favorite fish or marine invertebrate? Why is it your favorite?
Across the board the parrotfish seem to be most interesting to me. They are fun to watch as they interact with each other and other species. What and where they feed and their biological role are interesting too. I love the diversity of the family with their variety of bright colors.
Author: Sierra Barkdoll, Operations Manager
Looking for meaningful, ocean-inspired gifts? The REEF Store offers unique items that celebrate the sea, and every purchase supports marine conservation and education. Find the perfect present for everyone on your list, including:
Children’s Books: Fun stories that inspire young ocean explorers.
Jewelry: Unique designs that reflect the beauty of the sea.
Notebooks and Pens: Stationery for journaling or recording dive memories.
Ornaments: Marine-themed decorations to add a touch of the ocean to any home.
Apparel and Rashguards: New clothing and rash guards with a marine theme.
Toys: Activity sets and stuffed animals that make learning about marine life fun.
Tea Towels and Novelty Gifts: Home and gift items like towels, bottle openers, and keychains.
Fish Prints and Artwork: Art pieces that brings the wonder of the underwater world to any space.
Shop now at www.REEF.org/store and find a gift for every ocean-lover on your list.
Author: Stacey Henderson, Field Survey Trips Program Manager
Join REEF’s upcoming Fiji! Fiji is known as a hotspot for diving, with massive schools of pelagics, unusual creatures, and their spectacular reefs. The luxurious NAI'A is world-renowned for her crew of experienced Fijian divers and sailors known for their friendliness and expertise. The itinerary also includes a visit to a traditional Fijian village, providing a great cultural experience in addition to unforgettable diving. Enjoy the pristine reefs of Fiji while contributing valuable data to REEF’s marine conservation efforts. Find out more here.
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:
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 Jeff Haines.
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.
Into the Blue Book Club Meeting
Thursday, November 20, 8pm ET
Click here to register.
REEF Into the Blue Book Club brings together readers who love the ocean. At this meeting, we will discuss our latest book selection, Four Fish by Paul Greenberg. Everyone is invited to join, and reading the book is not a requirement for attending the meeting.
REEF Conservation Science Update
Wednesday, December 3, 8pm ET
Click here to register.
REEF Director of Conservation Science Dr. Alli Candelmo will highlight some of REEF's latest research projects, including GrouperSpotter and SMILE (Size Matters: Innovative Length Estimates). Join us to learn more and discover how these initiatives are advancing ocean conservation.
Author: The REEF Team
Introducing our November Fish of the Month, the Redbarred Hawkfish, Cirrhitops fasciatus!
Survey Regions: Redbarred Hawkfish are endemic to Hawaii, which means this is the only place they are found. Click here to see a REEF database report for this species.
Size: They grow to about 4.5 in.
Identifying Features: Redbarred Hawkfish have five broad gray to red bars along their body, and a black spot on their gill cover. They may also have a diffuse dark area on their tail base.
Fun Facts: Redbarred Hawkfish live under ledges or in caves. They can change their body coloration, and may become very pale when they are sheltering or hiding in areas with little light.
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for our next Fish of the Month.
Photo by Janna Nichols.
