Join REEF’s upcoming Fiji! Fiji is known as a hotspot for diving, with massive schools of pelagics, unusual creatures, and their spectacular reefs. The luxurious NAI'A liveaboard is world-renowned for her crew of experienced Fijian divers and sailors known for their friendliness and expertise. The itinerary also includes a visit to a traditional Fijian village, providing a great cultural experience in addition to unforgettable diving. Enjoy the pristine reefs of Fiji while contributing valuable data to REEF’s marine conservation efforts.
Introducing our November Fish of the Month, the Redbarred Hawkfish, Cirrhitops fasciatus!
Survey Regions: Redbarred Hawkfish are endemic to Hawaii, which means this is the only place they are found. Click here to see a REEF database report for this species.
Size: They grow to about 4.5 in.
Ever wondered how you can turn your dives and snorkels into meaningful marine conservation? REEF’s Volunteer Fish Survey Project is an easy and fun way to get involved in citizen science! No specialized training or scientific background is required - just curiosity, a love for the ocean, and a desire to learn. What began in 1993 as a simple idea to collect data on fishes, similar to how birdwatchers do on land, has grown into a global effort that has resulted in the world's largest and longest-running marine life sightings database in the world.
Congratulations to REEF surveyor Herb Gruenhagen, who recently joined the Golden Hamlet Club! This distinguished group is made up of highly dedicated volunteers who have conducted 1,000 or more REEF surveys in contribution to the Volunteer Fish Survey Project.
As marine life lovers, we know that diversity is what makes our planet unique. In celebration of diversity above and below the waves, please join us for our annual webinar, Oceans for All: Exploring Diverse Experiences in Marine Conservation. This free webinar will take place on Tuesday, November 4, at 8 pm ET and will be hosted as a panel discussion featuring guest speakers from ocean conservation and science fields.
The votes have been counted, and we're excited to share the 2025 Discover the Sea Photography Contest results! Nearly 400 stunning photos were submitted to this year's contest, and over 3,000 votes were cast! First, second, and third place winners were selected via popular vote for each of the following photo categories: Fish Portrait, Macro, Invertebrate, Comedy, and Habitat/Seascape/Environment. Visit this page to view all the winning photos.
Join REEF’s upcoming second Field Survey Trip to Northern Sulawesi on the special Passport to Paradise itinerary, allowing you to explore three incredible destinations in one trip! The adventure begins with four nights at Murex Manado Resort, home to stunning wall dives and an amazing diversity of species. Following this, we'll head to Murex Bangka Resort, where the pristine reefs are teeming with life.
We are excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Educator in the Field Fellowship! This unique opportunity invites one exceptional educator to join the REEF Field Survey Trip to Bonaire on July 11–18, 2026, for an immersive week of marine conservation, citizen science, and hands-on learning. Through the Fellowship, educators gain firsthand experience in fish identification, data collection, and marine research methods. The selected Fellow may participate in the trip as a diver or snorkeler.
Introducing our October Fish of the Month, the Longnose Filefish, Oxymonacanthus longirostris!
REEF Fest is nearly here, and we couldn't be more excited for our annual marine conservation celebration in Key Largo! If you're planning to attend, we look forward to seeing you soon. If you haven't yet registered, you can still make plans to join us Oct 16-19 for ocean presentations, fun socials, and more. Check out all the details and register for REEF Fest at www.REEF.org/REEFfest.