Join us for free marine life seminars during REEF Fest! We have a great lineup of guest speakers including scientists, naturalists, and underwater photographers. Seminars are held on the second floor of the REEF Ocean Exploration Center (98380 Overseas Hwy., Key Largo, FL 33037). Please see the schedule below for dates and times.

Seminars are free and open to the public, but pre-registration is requested. 

Watch Online: For those who are not able to attend in person, REEF Fest seminars will be livestreamed on the REEF Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Seminars and Schedule
 

Friday, Oct. 16

2:00PM - Fishes of the Everglades
Presented by Dr. Jennifer Rehage, Associate Professor at the Institute of Water and Environment at Florida International University in Miami

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 will explore 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.

 

5:00PM - Something Seems Fishy: Applications of forensic science in the diverse world of wildlife conservation with a spotlight on marine and aquatic animals
Presented by 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 will examine the intersection between forensic science and wildlife conservation, discussing some of the forensic methods used to solve crimes against humans and how they can be leveraged to protect the natural world. We will explore various applications, from using a single fillet to expose fraudulent fish markets to investigating toxicological events in avian populations, highlighting how forensic tools can pinpoint transgressions against wildlife, their habitats, and their very survival.

 

Saturday, Oct 17
2:00PM - Reef Fishes and their Niches
Presented by Kai Lopez, Marine Stewardship & Monitoring Specialist for Mission Iconic Reefs, NOAA

Have you ever wondered what fish actually do all day on the reef? Join marine biologist Kai Lopez for an engaging dive into the "ecological niches" (or specific roles) of reef fishes in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. In this presentation, you will learn how every creature plays a part, from the Red Grouper acting as an ecosystem engineer to the Hogfish sifting through and cleaning the reef rubble. We will also explore the complex food web of the reef and how invasive species like the Lionfish disrupt this delicate balance. Whether you are a lifelong scuba diver or a weekend snorkeler, discover how understanding these fascinating creatures' daily lives can enrich your time in the water and highlight the importance of protecting the reef.

 


 

Dr. Jennifer Rehage is a coastal ecologist and professor at the Institute of the Environment at Florida International University in Miami, FL. Her research examines how water management decisions, water quality and climate affect fish and the quality of recreational fisheries throughout Florida. Her work involves tapping into angler’s local ecological knowledge and knowledge coproduction with fishing guides. Over the past 20 years, Dr. Rehage has been studying how our economically-valuable recreational fisheries (snook, bass, juvenile tarpon, spotted seatrout, crevalle jacks and bonefish) throughout the Everglades and the Florida Keys are affected by Everglades restoration, water quality and changes to seagrass meadows. Her research has established the presence of pharmaceuticals in our fisheries and the implications for wastewater management, the health of Floridians and Florida’s valuable estuaries. Dr. Rehage has published over 100 scientific articles, her research has been widely featured in national and international media and has contributed directly to policy and management actions related to water quality and fisheries conservation.

Aisha Rickli-Rahman is a conservation biologist with 15 years of experience across diverse ecosystems from Nicaragua to the Hawaiian archipelago. Her work has involved a wide range of organisms, including sea turtles, sea birds, invasive insects, and endemic plants. With a passion for sharing wildlife knowledge, she has participated in educational outreach programs as a biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and has mentored young biologists as an active member of Black Women in Ecology, Evolution and Marine Science. She holds a BS in Marine Biology from Eckerd College and an MS in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, with a concentration in Forensic Science and Conservation, from the University of Florida. Recently relocated from Germany, she is based in Northern California with her wife and cat, where she is enjoying a renewed proximity to the ocean.

 

Kai Lopez is a coral reef scientist at the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, where they have spent the last 11 years managing and protecting South Florida’s marine ecosystems. Their work focuses on monitoring the health of the Keys' reefs. Having snorkeled, dived, and fished in the Keys for 25 years, Kai has spent countless hours watching reef fishes go about their daily lives. Today, they are excited to share an inside look at these fascinating creatures and the unique 'jobs' they hold within the coral ecosystem.