2025 Impact Report

What a year 2025 was for REEF. From the long-anticipated Grand Opening of the Ocean Exploration Center to record-breaking citizen science contributions, REEF members, donors, partners, and volunteers helped us reach more people, remove more invasive species, and advance more marine science than ever before. We're thrilled to share that our 2025 Impact Report is now live at www.reef.org/2025-impact-report — we hope you'll take a few minutes to dive in.

By the Numbers

A few of the year's highlights:

Lionfish Derby Smashes Record with 2,480 Invasive Lionfish Removed

From April 23–26, divers, captains, families, and ocean lovers gathered for REEF's 17th Annual Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Arts Festival — and by the time the scales were tallied, we had a brand-new Florida Keys record on our hands. Over two days of competition, derby teams pulled 2,480 invasive lionfish off South Florida reefs, smashing the previous Keys record of 1,898 (set in 2023) by a jaw-dropping 31 percent. It's also a new all-time high across REEF's full derby program.

Making it Count - May 2026

Putting it to Work: New publication on REEF volunteers collecting eDNA

SCUBA divers can collect fish and marine mammal DNA just by swimming! A few years ago, we reported on an exciting collaboration with scientists from Scripps Oceanography that uses cutting-edge technology to improve our understanding of ocean ecosystems. Results from this study were recently published in the scientfic journal, Environmental DNA.

Evaluating the Potential for Citizen Science Divers to Monitor Fish Biodiversity Through Passive eDNA Collection

This study tested whether citizen science SCUBA divers could help monitor marine biodiversity using environmental DNA (eDNA), or tiny genetic traces organisms leave behind in seawater. eDNA filters were attached to REEF volunteer divers, who concurrently conducted REEF Volunteer Fish Survey Project surveys. The DNA captured on those filters was then extracted and sequenced, and the species detected were compared to what divers recorded visually during their surveys.

Optimizing Coral Reef Monitoring: species traits and habitat factors predict visual census performance

Accurate underwater visual census (UVC) of fish community structure is essential for monitoring ecosystem health, managing fisheries, and evaluating response to stressors on coral reefs. However, comparisons between survey methods often reveal significant differences in species detection and estimated density.

Bonaire Fish ID Class
Photo by Stacey Henderson

Red Porgy

Fish of the Month: April 2026

Introducing our April Fish of the Month, the Red Lionfish, Pterois volitans! We chose this species because April is Lionfish Derby month — REEF's 17th Annual Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Arts Festival takes place April 23–26, 2026, right here in Key Largo!

 

Give BIG for the Oceans - April 17!

REEF's sixth annual Give BIG for the Oceans is coming on Friday, April 17, 2026 — and we want you to be part of it!

On April 17, every dollar you give will be matched dollar for dollar — up to $30,000 — thanks to a generous anonymous donor. This is a one-day-only event to support REEF's ocean conservation, citizen science, and education programs. Your support ensures that these programs continue to protect marine life and inspire action worldwide.

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