April is Earth Month and Citizen Science Month, and you're invited to participate in an Earth Day Quest to celebrate! Below are nine easy ways you can get involved in REEF's marine conservation and citizen science programs.

Click on the activities below to join in the Earth Day Quest!

Join an Online Program | Watch a Fishinar | Share your Citizen Science Story | Complete a Scavenger Hunt | Take a Fish ID Quiz | Share a Citizen Science Photo | Tell a Friend about REEF | Register for the Fish Out of Water Virtual 5K | Connect with REEF on Social Media

1. Let us know you're participating

It's easy to join in - simply click here to add your name to the list of people participating in the Earth Day Quest throughout April, and we'll send you a special note to say thank you! To complete the Earth Day Quest, registrants need to complete three or more activities.

2. Join us for an upcoming online program

Follow the links below to register for one of our virtual events in April. You can tune in to an educational ID session, attend a virtual game night, or both! If you can't make it this month, check out all of our upcoming online programs here.

Wednesday, April 7: Fishy Game Night - 8pm EDT via Zoom. Enjoy playing some fun fish-themed games with fellow REEF members. Games will focus on the Tropical Western Atlantic (TWA) survey region. Hosted by Campus Coordinator David Ehlert and our wonderful Marine Conservation Interns. Click here to register.

Wednesday, April 21: Fishinar - Butterflyfishes of Hawaii - 8pm EDT via Zoom. Many of Hawaii's colorful underwater residents belong to the Butterflyfish family. This session will take a closer look at them and how to tell them apart. Click here to register.

3. Improve your fish ID skills

Ever wondered how to identify the fish you see on your dives or snorkels? Since 2011, REEF has taught free marine life ID webinars - or as we call them, Fishinars! Our archives contain more than 160 sessions to help you learn who is who underwater. Visit the archives here to view all past Fishinars. Choose a specific fish family, region, or habitat - there's something for everyone! Not sure where to begin? Here are some of our suggestions: 

Tropical Western Atlantic Beginners Course - A four-part series covering some of the most commonly seen fishes of the Tropical Western Atlantic survey region.

Beginners Course TWA Fish Part 1
Beginners Course TWA Fish Part 2
Beginners Course TWA Fish Part 3
Beginners Course TWA Fish Part 4

Central Indo-Pacific Top 25 - The Indo-Pacific is one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet, and the fish covered in this presentation are some of the most commonly seen species throughout this vast region.

The Life Cycle of a Fish - Celebrated marine photographers and underwater naturalists Ned & Anna DeLoach share a unique presentation featuring stunning photos highlighting the life cycle of a fish.

Please note: you'll need to be a REEF member (and logged in to your REEF account) to view Fishinars.

4. Tell your citizen science story

We want to hear from you. Click here to submit a short form to share your favorite REEF memory with us. You may even see your story shared in a future email or newsletter, or on our social media channels.

5. Take a deep dive into our programs

Learn more about the history of REEF and our marine conservation work by exploring our website to complete a fun, 10-question scavenger hunt.

6. Take a fish ID quiz or review photos using a Quizlet study deck

Test your marine life ID knowledge with one of our online quizzes featuring common fishes (and in some regions, invertebrates.) Click here to take a quiz.

You can also use one of our Quizlet study decks to practice your skills in many of our survey regions. Click here to view all Quizlet decks.

7. Share your favorite photo of you engaging in citizen science or ocean conservation

We love to see photos of our members participating in citizen science, and what better time to share your favorite conservation actions than Citizen Science Month? You could post a photo to your social media account and tag REEF, or if you're not on social media, email it to reefhq@REEF.org.

8. Tell a friend about REEF

REEF is an extraordinary community of marine enthusiasts, and we wouldn't be the same without people like you. We're so thankful that you are part of REEF. Do you know anyone else who loves the ocean? If so, invite them to join REEF - it's free and easy to join online by visiting this page. You don't have to be a scuba diver to get involved - did you know snorkelers can also join in the Volunteer Fish Survey Project and attend REEF Field Survey Trips? If you'd rather stay dry, check out out Into the Blue Book Club. It's a great way to engage with other ocean lovers from home.

9. Join the Fish Out of Water Virtual 5K

On June 7-13, people all over the globe can join our Fish Out of Water Virtual 5K. Run, walk, bike, hike, or swim to support ocean conservation! Registrants will receive a limited-edition shirt, medal, and personalized bib. You can even form a Fish Shoal with your family and friends to participate as a group. Proceeds support ocean conservation programs for underserved communities. Visit www.REEF.org/5Krace for more information or to register.

10. Connect with us on social media

If you're on social media, be sure to follow REEF to stay up to date with our programs and the latest in marine conservation.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/REEF.org
Invasive Species Program Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/REEFLionfish
On April 23-25 via the Invasive Species Program Facebook page, we will be live streaming footage from our socially distant Earth Day Lionfish Derby including scoring, awards, dissections and more.
Instagram: @reef_org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reef-environmental-education-foundation/