Author: Tom Sparke, Communications Manager
REEF Fest returns to Key Largo, Florida, October 15–18, 2026, for four days of seminars, diving, socials, and celebration. Registration is open now, and here is what you will not want to miss.
For the Love of the Sea: Get Your Tickets Now
The highlight of REEF Fest weekend is our For the Love of the Sea Celebration on Saturday, October 17, from 5:00 to 8:30 pm, at a beautiful outdoor waterfront venue on Blackwater Sound (MM 103.6, next to Quiescence Diving Services). Enjoy dinner, drinks, and a sunset over Florida Bay alongside fellow ocean lovers, and browse the silent auction benefiting REEF’s marine conservation programs.
Tickets are $125 per person and include passed hors d’oeuvres (from lionfish bites to tropical caprese skewers), food stations featuring Cuban, churrasco, and vegan tropical curry, and an open bar with signature cocktails, local craft beer from Florida Keys Brewing Company, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. Space is limited and tickets are selling fast, so reserve yours today. Tickets are required and can be purchased when you register for REEF Fest at www.REEF.org/REEFfest.
Meet the Speakers
Our seminar series is free, open to all, and livestreamed on the REEF Facebook page and YouTube channel. Join us at the REEF Ocean Exploration Center for an inspiring lineup of scientists, naturalists, and the REEF team.
From Grass to Reef: Tracing Water and Fish Connections Across South Florida
Dr. Jennifer Rehage, Florida International University
Something Seems Fishy: Applications of Forensic Science in Wildlife Conservation
Aisha Rickli-Rahman, Conservation Biologist
The Role of Fishes, their Niches, and the Success of Mission: Iconic Reefs
Kai Lopez, NOAA Marine Stewardship & Monitoring Specialist
You will also hear directly from the REEF team with a REEF Conservation Science Panel, Reef Encounters: A Photographic Journey through REEF Field Survey Trips with Field Survey Trips Program Manager Stacey Henderson, and One Year of Impact at the Ocean Exploration Center with Co-Executive Director Martha Klitzkie.
Socials, Dives, and More
Every evening brings a chance to connect with our ocean-minded community:
- Welcome Reception & Lionfish Jewelry Workshop – Thursday, October 15, 4:00–6:00 pm at the REEF Campus. Kick off the weekend, tour the Ocean Exploration Center, and get creative. Free to attend.
- REEF Fest Happy Hour Social – Friday, October 16, 4:00 pm at the Ocean Exploration Center, followed by an evening seminar. Free to attend.
- For the Love of the Sea Celebration – Saturday, October 17 (details above). Tickets required.
Mornings are yours: dive or snorkel with a REEF Fest Experience Partner (book directly with the operator), join the Sunday morning nature walk at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, or take in a Mote coral nursery tour. Most events are free and open to the public, but pre-registration is requested so we can plan accordingly.
See the full schedule, speaker bios, and grab your For the Love of the Sea tickets at www.REEF.org/REEFfest. We can’t wait to celebrate the ocean with you in Key Largo!
Author: Stacey Henderson, Field Survey Trips Program Manager
We have just a few spaces remaining on Field Survey Trips to some of the world's best dive destinations. From the incredible biodiversity of the Solomon Islands to the spectacular pelagic megafauna of Socorro, these unforgettable journeys offer something for every diver. Both liveaboards are renowned, highly experienced operators with a long-standing history of supporting our Field Survey Trips. Their expert crews, intimate knowledge of their destinations, and commitment to incredible diving make them the perfect match for these extraordinary trips.
Socorro and Clarion Islands:
Experience the brand-new Quino del Mar, the newest addition to Mexico Liveaboards, on an unforgettable expedition to the legendary Socorro Islands and the rarely visited Clarion Island. These remote islands are a magnet for some of the ocean’s largest pelagic animals. Encounter sharks, enormous clouds of jacks, graceful manta rays, and an incredible diversity of marine life in some of Mexico’s most extraordinary dive destinations. Enjoy the comfort and hospitality of Quino del Mar’s fabulous crew on a 12-night liveaboard adventure featuring 9 days of diving. The itinerary also includes the remote Clarion Island, an exceptional destination accessible only on longer journeys. Find out more information here.
Solomon Islands:
The Solomon Islands are among the most pristine and biologically rich oceanic archipelagos on Earth. Remarkably, the region has been identified as a “Bright Spot” in scientific research, recognizing coral reefs that continue to flourish despite the growing pressures facing marine ecosystems worldwide. For more than 25 years, Bilikiki Cruises has been exploring the Solomon Islands, offering exceptional liveaboard scuba diving adventures throughout this remote and extraordinary destination. With decades of experience in these waters and previous REEF trips under their belt, this makes for an incredible Field Survey Trip. Their local knowledge helps guests experience the very best of the Solomon Islands, with spectacular coral gardens, abundant marine life, dramatic walls, and pristine underwater landscapes. Find out more information here.
Every REEF Field Survey Trip is more than a dive vacation. Participants receive expert fish identification training, gain hands-on survey experience, and contribute valuable data used by scientists and resource managers to better understand and protect reef ecosystems. Space is limited, and many trips fill quickly, so reserve your spot and join REEF for an unforgettable year of diving with purpose. Email trips@REEF.org with questions or to sign up!
Author: Shelby Thomas, REEF Engagement Coordinator
Calling all educators! Applications for the 2027 REEF Educator in the Field Fellowship open October 1, 2026. This is a chance for a formal or informal educator to gain hands-on experience with ocean citizen science, with expenses covered, on a REEF Field Survey Trip.
The Fellowship is a professional development opportunity that sends a qualified educator on a REEF Field Survey Trip to dive or snorkel alongside citizen scientist volunteers, learning to identify marine life and conducting fish population surveys for the Volunteer Fish Survey Project. Fellows build skills and experiences they can bring straight back to their students and audiences.
Where you’ll go: The 2027 Fellow will join the REEF Field Survey Trip to CoCo View in Roatan, Honduras, June 26 to July 3, 2027. REEF covers the full cost of the Field Survey Trip (per the inclusions listed on the trip page) and provides a travel reimbursement of up to $1,200 toward meals and airfare. Accommodations are shared, based on double occupancy.
What you’ll gain: Fellows learn fish identification, fish behavior and adaptations, coral reef ecology, and citizen science survey methods, and may be eligible for up to 2.5 units of graduate-level credit from the University of California San Diego. After the trip, Fellows join REEF’s Education Advisory Panel for a year and share their experience through the “Educator in the Field” newsletter feature, a presentation, and classroom lessons.
Who can apply: Any REEF member who is a teacher or educator actively engaged in an education program, such as a school, aquarium, science center, or environmental nonprofit, with a passion for marine conservation. REEF membership is free to join.
How to apply: Applications open October 1, 2026 and close January 1, 2027 at 5:00 pm Eastern. Find full eligibility details, expectations, and the application at www.REEF.org/educatorinfield. Questions? Email explorers@REEF.org.
Funding for the REEF Educator in the Field Fellowship is generously provided by CEDAM International, continuing the legacy of the Lloyd Bridges Scholarship.
Author: Tom Sparke, Communications Manager
REEF Involvement and Surveying
When and how did you first volunteer with REEF or become a REEF member? How did you first hear about REEF?
My first REEF experience was a lionfish trip to Curaçao. There was one fish surveyor on the trip, who showed me the survey sheets and some DB reports on his laptop, which I immediately found interesting. I went on a survey trip to Grenada the next year, and I was pretty much hooked by the end of the trip.
If you have been on a REEF Field Survey Trip, where and what was your trip highlight?
After Grenada, I started doing a couple of TWA trips each year, and began surveying on other non-REEF trips as well. One highlight was finding a family of 3 Flying Gurnards in Little Cayman. I have done a few survey trips to CIP, and was blown away by the number of fish species encountered there, versus TWA.
What inspires you to complete REEF surveys? What is the most interesting thing you’ve learned doing a REEF fish survey?
I enjoy the challenge of identifying new species of fish and learning about their behavior and habitats. I like returning to sites and comparing what I’m seeing now with what I’ve seen before.
If you had to explain REEF to a friend in a couple of sentences, what would you tell them?
REEF is like underwater birdwatching. We count the abundance of the fish species we see while underwater (and then I clarify the single/few/many/abundant system). I also say that, with REEF, you learn about fish behavior and which habitats you are most likely to find certain species of fish. I enjoy the challenge of learning new fish, and that some fish have very different looks depending on their life stage (like parrotfish and wrasses).
Diving, Fishwatching, and Surveying
Do you dive close to where you live, and if so, what is the best part about diving there? If you don’t dive nearby, where do you most often dive? Where is your favorite place to dive and why?
The nearest local diving to me (I live on the East Coast in Maryland) is 6 hours away, which is North Carolina wreck diving! I mostly dive in the TWA. I also try to make it to the Indo-Pacific occasionally. I don’t really have a favorite dive. Instead, I usually say, “My favorite dive is my next dive!” I am totally fine with reporting whatever fish I see, whether my species count is high or lower than I would have expected, given the goal is to provide useful data.
What is the most fascinating fish encounter you’ve experienced?
In addition to the flying gurnards I saw, I really enjoy the fish classes and finding new species that I’ve never seen before.
What is your favorite fish or marine invertebrate? Why is it your favorite?
I don’t really have a favorite fish. I do enjoy looking at hamlets, butterflyfish, and poking around for cardinalfish.
What is your most memorable fish find and why? Is there a fish (or marine invertebrate) you haven’t seen yet while diving and would like to?
It would be nice to see a whale shark or a hammerhead. I’ve never yet seen either one.
Author: Christy Pattengill-Semmens, Ph.D., Co-Executive Director: Science & Engagement
Every REEF survey tells part of the story of our ocean, and together, more than three decades of volunteer observations have created an extraordinary record of marine biodiversity. Just as important as collecting those data is making sure they remain accurate, accessible, and useful well into the future. REEF Co-Executive Director Dr. Christy Pattengill-Semmens recently attended the TDWG 2026 conference in Oslo, Norway, where biodiversity experts from around the world gathered to share the latest approaches to data standards, database design, conservation applications, and tools for data discovery, integration, and curation.
For REEF, staying at the forefront of best practices in database integrity and biodiversity informatics is part of safeguarding the tremendous effort contributed by thousands of Volunteer Fish Survey Project participants over the past 30+ years. As the world’s largest ocean citizen science program, REEF has a responsibility to ensure this growing body of information is carefully maintained, easy to discover, and able to work alongside other ocean datasets. By strengthening how our data are structured, preserved, and connected, we are helping ensure that every survey completed today, and every survey contributed over the decades, can continue to support research, reveal changes in marine ecosystems, and advance ocean conservation for generations to come.
Author: Mead Krowka, Education Coordinator
Sometimes, making a difference for the ocean starts with getting your hands dirty.
This September, REEF interns, volunteers, and community members came together for International Coastal Cleanup Day at the Ocean Forest Restoration site in Dagny Johnson State Park. The morning was a chance to get into the field and take direct action to care for the coastal environment we all share.
Armed with cleanup supplies and a willingness to get a little muddy, participants worked together to remove litter from the site. Every piece of trash collected was one less piece of debris that could make its way into the surrounding waterways and impact Florida Keys wildlife and habitats. Healthy oceans depend on healthy coastlines, and protecting those environments takes all of us.
For REEF, International Coastal Cleanup Day also reflects something we value year-round: conservation is more meaningful when people have the opportunity to participate. Whether you are conducting fish surveys, learning about invasive species, or picking up litter along the coast, hands-on experiences can turn an appreciation for the ocean into meaningful action.
We are grateful to everyone who joined us and helped care for this special place in the Florida Keys. Thank you for getting your hands dirty, lending a hand, and helping keep our local coast clean and healthy!
Author: Hilary Penner, Citizen Science Coordinator
Congratulations to REEF surveyor Callie Mack, who recently joined the Golden Hamlet Club! This notable group of highly dedicated volunteers have submitted 1,000 or more REEF surveys in contribution to the Volunteer Fish Survey Project.
Callie’s first survey was in 2011 on a night dive at La Jolla Shores, CA, and recorded only 12 species. During her time leading to a Golden Hamlet, she has surveyed in the TWA and TEP, but conducts most surveys in San Diego through night snorkels and shore dives. She enjoys the biodiversity of her local rocky reefs and surveying for invertebrates as well as fish. She recently spotted a Sabertooth Blenny! Her milestone survey was in July 2026, when she found Porter’s Chromodorids (few), Hopkins’ Rose Nudibranch (single), and took her best photos ever of a juvenile California Sheephead, which looks nothing like the adults.
“I like contributing to citizen science, especially now when our planet is under such severe threat from climate change. And surveying makes every dive and snorkel like a nature hike underwater.” Thank you and congratulations, Callie! Your dedication to marine conservation and the Volunteer Fish Survey Project makes a lasting impact. Click here to read more about the Golden Hamlet Club.
Author: Janna Nichols, REEF 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 July, August and September 2026.
Ultra Golden Hamlet Award
The Ultra Golden Hamlet Award is for individuals who have conducted at least 2000 surveys. Congratulations to our newest achiever! Click here to see other Ultra Golden Hamlet Award achievers.
Golden Hamlet Award
This award is for those who have conducted at least 1000 surveys. See their article in this or future issues of Making It Count. Click here to read more about this prestigious award and others who have achieved it.
- Karen Bogart
- Callie Mack
- Sue Manning
100 Survey Milestone
Congratulations to those who have reached this milestone within the last three months:
- Heidi Wilken
- Desirée Bell
- Guy Pinneo
- Martha Klitzkie
- David Hoffman
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 the REEF members who have advanced an Experience Level!
All listed below are Level 2 unless otherwise noted.
California (CAL)
Melanie Moreno - Level 5
Adrienne DuCharme
Allison Wylot
Ewa Lis
Ilona Phipps-Morgan
Isabella McFarland
Jacob Schaer
Jason McFarland
Jennifer Riggin
Lynne Cooley
Sara McCarthy
Tara Power
Yaman Jandali
Central Indo-Pacific (CIP)
Francis Malinosky-Rummell - Level 5
Stacey Henderson - Level 5
Heather George
Michelle Sayre
Stu Sayre
Eastern Atlantic & Mediterranean (EAM)
Dave Thompson
Gracie Semmens
Kristi Lorin
Linda Bilsing
Luanne Betz
Marta Zahalak
Tatum Semmens
Indian Ocean / Red Sea (IORS)
Emily Mayo
Kacper Konopka
Mark Davidson
Nitasha Nehal
Paulina Weiss
Soline Bregnard
South Atlantic States (SAS)
Makiri Sei
South Pacific (SOP)
Francis Malinosky-Rummell - Level 5
Dana Kowalsick
Tropical Eastern Pacific
Pat Hartshorne - Level 5
Carmen Toanchina
Makiri Sei
Tropical Western Atlantic (TWA)
Chris Karrenberg - Levels 2 and 3
Donna Goodale - Level 3
Martijn Klinjstra - Level 3
Matt Zimmerman - Levels 2 and 3
Pamela Osler - Level 3
Susan Grieco - Level 3
Aiden Chang
Aleah Mulgrew
Alexandra Hanna
Ariel Quiroz
Aubri Kehoe
Bill Lafferty
Briana Maltez
Cael Kelley
Carol Segar
Celeste Giannoulias
Claire Reilly
Daemon Thomas
Daisy Anderson
Daria Torres
Deb Oetjen
Desmond Klitzkie
Dillan Cawley
Dorianne Lownsbury
Ejiro Montoya
Ella Rogers
Emilie Gates
Emma Carr
Erin Schmidt
Evan Serris
Frank Goodale
Geo Schecter
Hannah Weller
Hayes Appel
Heather Bogle
Hope Dutch
Isabella Wilson
Isabelle Jane Froerer
Jason Buttenshaw
Jayden Mancheski
Jocie Thom
Jonathan Chewning
Josh Ledford
Julie MacDougal
Karlee Killen
Kate Boothe
Kelee Kersch-Hamar
Kloe Victorino
Kyle Hand
Macie Swartz
Maddison Heckman
Marcia Hendrickson
Marilene Van Oudheusten
Mikayla Neff
Mirre Bijmolem
Molly Kemp
Natalee Keller
Nick Cahill
Olivia Del Rosario
Piper Figallo
Raymond Doty
Reagan Stalter
Robert Bevins
Ruben Silva Otero
Rylan Chang
Sana Sakr
Sara Trumble
Sarah Dunlop
Sharon Doty
Solé Agulla
Stephanie Winning
Teegan Hughes
Tessa Wiegand
Turasmi Hogesteger
Tyler Blixt
Westin Wallander
William Wallace Carroll
Ximiao Zhai
Author: Tom Sparke, Communications Manager
Meet our October Fish of the Month, the Blue Hamlet, Hypoplectrus gemma — a shimmering, all-blue jewel of the reef and one of the Florida Keys’ true local specialties.
Survey Regions: Blue Hamlets belong to the Tropical Western Atlantic (TWA) survey region, with a stronghold in Florida and especially the Florida Keys. REEF surveyors log them most reliably here, which makes every sighting a point of pride for Keys divers.
Size: Small. Typically around 8 to 13 cm (3 to 5 in), with the deep, laterally compressed body of a miniature sea bass.
Identifying Features: The Blue Hamlet is unmistakable among Atlantic reef fish: a uniform, iridescent pale blue body with no bars or blotches, set off by fine dark speckling around the snout and eyes. That solid blue color separates it from its many hamlet cousins, which wear stripes, bars, and patches of contrasting color.
Fun Facts: Hamlets are one of the reef’s great evolutionary puzzles. The genus Hypoplectrus includes more than a dozen color forms, among them the Blue, Indigo, Barred, Butter, Shy, and rare Golden Hamlet, that are nearly identical in every way except color. Scientists still debate whether they represent many species or one. Hamlets are also simultaneous hermaphrodites: each fish carries both male and female organs, and spawning pairs take turns releasing eggs and sperm in a remarkable dusk ritual known as “egg trading.”
Hamlets hold a special place in REEF’s story, too. Our Golden Hamlet Club, which honors volunteers who complete 1,000 or more surveys, is named for the elusive Golden Hamlet, a nod to how rewarding it is to spot every member of this colorful family. This month’s photograph comes from the late Paul Humann, a REEF Co-Founder whose fish identification books and images introduced generations of divers to the underwater world.
See the Blue Hamlet in the wild. There is no better place to look than right here in the Florida Keys. Join us for REEF Fest, October 15–18 in Key Largo, and dive the very reefs this Keys specialty calls home. Most events are free, but pre-registration is requested. Learn more and register at www.REEF.org/REEFfest.
