REEF member Peter Leahy has been conducting REEF surveys since 1994. Since then, he has contributed more than 5,000 surveys to the REEF database. He enjoys accessing the database and sharing how anyone can use this resource to gain their own insights. Last year, Peter went to Costa Rica - a destination where he had never surveyed before - and wanted to know what fish he would be likely to see.
Check out his tips on navigating the REEF database before your next dive trip!
See the Volunteer Fish Survey Project come to life in the new REEF Ocean Exploration Center in Key Largo, Florida! Admission to the Center is free, and all are welcome.
We invite you to visit and check out the interactive exhibits showcasing power of citizen science and how fish surveys make a difference. Here's what you can dive in and discover:
Every July, REEF hosts a monthlong celebration inviting divers and snorkelers around the world to get in the water and submit surveys. Whether you're a seasoned surveyor or just getting started, the Great Annual Fish Count (GAFC) is the perfect time to dive into surveying.
Welcome to the REEF Surveyor Newsletter, featuring information about the REEF Volunteer Fish Survey Project (VFSP), including survey tips, upcoming events, REEF database tricks, and how your participation is making a difference in the health of the oceans.
Thanks to REEF surveyors like you, the VFSP has generated the world’s largest marine life sightings database, used by scientists, resource managers, and government agencies to better understand, study, and protect marine ecosystems. Thank you for all you do, and happy surveying!
Let’s Celebrate! Every three months, we celebrate our surveyors’ recent accomplishments in Making It Count, our monthly e-News. This includes those who have achieved Golden Hamlet and Juvenile Golden Hamlet status (1,000 surveys and 500 surveys) and Experience Level advancements. Don’t miss the recent recognitions:
The Volunteer Fish Survey Project started in the Florida Keys in 1993. Since then, the program has grown and now surveys are conducted worldwide! Check out the timeline of our survey regions below to see how the Volunteer Fish Survey Project has grown! You can read more about the VFSP here.
The 2026 REEF Field Survey Trips schedule is out, along with a few exciting trips in 2027! Join us for an unforgettable adventure filled with diving, fish ID classes, and fun with friends. Led by marine life experts, REEF Trips are open to divers, snorkelers, and families. These trips fill up fast, so don’t miss your chance to explore a dream destination with REEF.
April is Citizen Science Month, a time to celebrate the power of community-driven science. Studies have shown that citizen science has a high impact on scientific research, and REEF’s Volunteer Fish Survey Project is a great example. Divers and snorkelers like you collect critical data that supports marine research and conservation. Every survey you submit helps make a difference! Citizen Science Month is organized by SciStarter, an organization dedicated to connecting people and science.
Welcome to the Fall/Winter 2025 edition of the REEF Surveyor Newsletter, featuring information about the REEF Volunteer Fish Survey Project (VFSP), including survey tips, upcoming events, REEF database tricks, and how your participation is making a difference in the health of the oceans.
Thanks to REEF surveyors like you, the VFSP has generated the world’s largest marine life sightings database, used by scientists, resource managers, and government agencies to better understand, study, and protect marine ecosystems. Thank you for all you do, and happy surveying!
Looking for a dive trip to learn more about marine life? Join us on a REEF Field Survey Trip! Destinations with open spaces include:
Jamaica - March 14-21, 2026
Cayman Brac - April 4-11, 2026
Fiji - April 18-28, 2026
St. Eustatius - May 9-16. 2026
Cuba - June 27-July 4, 2026
Tubbataha, Philippines - June 28-July 8, 2026
