Author: Tom Sparke, Communications Manager
We're excited to share that REEF has been chosen as one of the first host organizations for Claude Corps, a new national fellowship program from Anthropic that places early-career talent within mission-driven nonprofits.
Beginning in October 2026, Claude Corps fellows will work alongside REEF staff and scientific partners on projects spanning marine conservation research, citizen science, and education. That could mean improving the data tools behind the Volunteer Fish Survey Project, organizing our conservation media archive and educational resources, or strengthening the systems that support research already underway.
REEF was selected for its long-standing citizen science programs, conservation research partnerships, and community-driven approach. The Volunteer Fish Survey Project represents one of the world's largest marine life citizen science datasets, with more than 30 years of observations from volunteer divers and snorkelers worldwide.
"Claude Corps provides an opportunity to strengthen conservation, research, and education efforts already underway at REEF while continuing to keep people, community, and conservation impact at the center of our work," said Martha Klitzkie, Co-Executive Director of REEF.
Learn more at REEF.org/claude-corps.
Author: Noa Parks, Citizen Science Coordinator
July is here, and so is the Great Annual Fish Count (GAFC) — a fun, worldwide celebration of fishwatching and citizen science. Every July, divers and snorkelers around the globe jump in to learn about marine diversity and conduct fish surveys as part of REEF's Volunteer Fish Survey Project. Whether you're a seasoned surveyor or picking up a slate for the first time, there's a way for you to take part.
Ways to get involved:
- Join a free Fish ID class or Fishinar to brush up before you dive.
- Hop in for a GAFC survey dive or snorkel near you
- Find an event near you
- Gather your dive club for a count, then make it a potluck or BBQ
- Host a raffle or auction to support REEF's conservation programs
- Don't see an event nearby? Organize your own — big or small!
Find a count near you, learn how to host your own, and get everything you need to take part at www.REEF.org/gafc.
Author: Christy Pattengill-Semmens, Ph.D., Co-Executive Director: Science & Engagement
In recent decades, many shark and ray populations have declined dramatically. In the wider Caribbean, this trend became apparent in the 2000s, when researchers from Dalhousie University used REEF survey data to conduct a regional assessment of reef-associated shark sightings. This publication, published in the journal PLoS ONE, assessed the effects of exploitation on population trends. Now, more than 15 years later, scientists from Scripps Institution of Oceanography are revisiting the same dataset to evaluate sightings of sharks and rays in the REEF Volunteer Fish Survey Project database from 1993 to 2025. Dr. Brendan Talwar will be attending the Joint Meeting of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists later this month to present findings from this analysis, giving a talk titled "Citizen science surveys reveal decades-long trajectories of reef-associated shark and ray sightings in the wider Caribbean"
Dr. Talwar and colleagues have generated decades-long time series of sightings probabilities for the most common shark and ray species across multiple countries, using models that account for variable survey effort across space and time. They also assessed changes in sightings following the establishment of International Shark Sanctuaries, which prohibit shark and/or ray fishing. For many of these nations, the resulting time series provide the first long-term insights into reef-associated shark and ray population trajectories, offering critical information for conservation and management decisions. These findings arrive at a pivotal moment as many countries in the wider Caribbean work to balance fisheries, dive tourism, and conservation, often in the absence of reliable data.
Photo by: Daryl Duda
Author: Stacey Henderson, Field Survey Trips Program Manager
Looking for an unforgettable dive adventure this summer? A shared male space has become available on both of REEF's upcoming Field Survey Trips, giving you one last chance to join fellow ocean enthusiasts on an incredible week of diving and citizen science. Additional spaces on Tobago are also available.
Tobago August 1–8, 2026
Tobago's nutrient-rich waters, influenced by the Orinoco River, support some of the Caribbean's highest fish diversity. During REEF's most recent trip, participants documented more than 200 fish species, with many surveys recording 60–70 species on a single dive. Divers encountered southern Caribbean specialties including the Yellowcheek Wrasse, Yellowtail Reeffish, Jaggedhead Blenny, Saddle Parrotfish, and more. If you're looking to expand your life list with species rarely seen elsewhere in the Caribbean, Tobago is the place to do it.
More information here.
Midriff Islands, Sea of Cortez September 12-19, 2026
The Midriff Islands are the heart of Mexico's legendary "Aquarium of the World," where nutrient-rich waters and dramatic volcanic reefs support an abundance of marine life found nowhere else. On REEF's previous expedition, surveyors documented Gulf of California specialties including the Cortez Angelfish, King Angelfish, Leopard Grouper, Mexican Hogfish, and Yellow Snapper, while also enjoying encounters with California sea lions, dolphins, mobula rays, and even whales. It's an exceptional opportunity to survey species unique to the eastern Pacific while diving in one of North America's most productive marine ecosystems.
More information here.
Dive, Learn, and Make a Difference
Both expeditions combine world-class diving with daily fish identification seminars and hands-on citizen science. Whether you're a seasoned REEF surveyor or completing your very first survey, you'll sharpen your fish ID skills while collecting data that supports marine science and conservation.
Check out our other Field Survey Trips here.
Author: Hilary Penner, Director of Program Development
Logging 1,000 REEF surveys is no small feat. REEF member Lynn Fulks of San Diego County just completed her 1,000th survey dive at Atlantis Resort in Puerto Galera, Philippines, diving with the Water Planet Images group she joins every year. Lynn's journey to REEF and her Golden Status started in 2006, when she was inspired by Golden Hamlet Linda Ridley in Bonaire. Living aboard their sailing catamaran Blue Marine, Linda taught Lynn and her husband Todd the REEF ID courses and pushed Lynn all the way to Level 5 in the TWA region. Lynn's survey counts also included surveys from the CIP, HAW, and TEP regions. Congratulations to Lynn on her Golden Hamlet achievement, and thank you for all the important data contributed to the REEF database!
Author: Tom Sparke, Communications Manager
Mark your calendars: REEF Fest returns to Key Largo, Florida, October 15-18, 2026, and registration is officially open!
REEF Fest is our signature annual celebration of all things ocean. Each fall, divers, snorkelers, and marine life lovers gather in the Florida Keys to connect with fellow fishwatchers, learn about the latest in marine conservation, and enjoy plenty of time for Keys adventures that bring those lessons to life. The weekend features ocean seminars, social gatherings, diving and snorkeling with our trusted Experience Partners, a silent auction, and our beloved For the Love of the Sea Celebration at a beautiful bayside venue.
Most REEF Fest events are free, but we ask that you pre-register so we can plan accordingly. Tickets to the For the Love of the Sea Celebration are available during registration. Early bird tickets are $95 and include dinner, drinks, and a whole lot of fun. Prices increase to $125 on August 15, so reserve your spot soon!
Register today at www.REEF.org/reeffest/registration and start planning your trip to the Keys. Questions? Email us at events@REEF.org.
We can't wait to celebrate the ocean with you this October!
Author: Tom Sparke, Communications Manager
Please join us in welcoming Dylan Sanchez to the REEF team as our new Outreach Coordinator, based at the REEF Campus in Key Largo.
Born and raised in Miami, Dylan grew up spending much of his time in the Florida Keys. Being around the ocean from a young age sparked a passion for marine conservation that has shaped his path ever since. He graduated from Florida International University in 2025 with a B.A. in Sustainability and the Environment, focusing on marine biology. Before joining REEF, Dylan worked throughout South Florida in outreach, education, and conservation roles. Along the way, he discovered a love for bringing people closer to the ocean through community outreach, storytelling, and hands-on conservation.
Dylan is excited to be part of REEF's growing efforts to connect people with the ocean and to help create experiences that inspire curiosity, community involvement, and long-term stewardship. When he's not working, you'll find Dylan reading mystery novels, cooking, tending his fish tanks, or out with his camera doing wildlife photography.
Welcome aboard, Dylan! We're thrilled to have you.
Author: Tom Sparke, Communications Manager
Meet our July Fish of the Month, the Cherubfish, Centropyge argi — a pocket-sized stunner that proves the best things really do come in small packages. Also known as the Pygmy Angelfish, this is the smallest angelfish in the tropical Western Atlantic, and one of the most beloved by divers lucky enough to spot one.
Survey Regions: Cherubfish are found throughout the Tropical Western Atlantic (TWA) survey region — from Bermuda and Florida through the Bahamas and Caribbean. REEF volunteers most often log them on deeper reefs and rubble slopes, where they tend to hang close to cover.
Size: Tiny — usually just 5–8 cm / 2–3 in. Don't let the small size fool you; that flash of electric blue and gold is unmistakable once you know what to look for.
Identifying Features: A deep, royal-blue body paired with a bright golden-orange face and chest, plus a thin blue ring around the eye. The contrast is striking and unlike anything else on the reef. Cherubfish are shy by nature, darting between ledges, rubble, and reef crevices, so a patient diver is often rewarded with the best views.
Fun Facts: First described in 1951, the Cherubfish belongs to the marine angelfish family (Pomacanthidae). Despite its angelic looks, it can be feisty — males defend small territories and harems on the reef. Its preference for deeper, rubbly habitat means it is easy to overlook, which makes every sighting feel like a little treasure hunt.
Cheer on the Cherubfish in the Fish World Cup! This little fighter may be small, but it punches well above its weight — the Cherubfish has already battled its way to the quarterfinals! Our Fish World Cup is heating up on Facebook and Instagram, where fan-favorite species from around the world face off and YOU decide the winners. Follow along, vote in every match, and help carry the Cherubfish through to the final. Most votes wins!
See the Cherubfish in the wild. Want to meet this little gem in person? It is the star of our Colombia Field Survey Trip, April 3–10, 2027, based in Santa Marta. Divers will explore Tayrona National Park, one of the Caribbean's most biodiverse underwater worlds, where the Sierra Nevada mountains meet the sea. Spaces are available — register today and email trips@REEF.org with any questions.
