Introducing Ocean After Hours at the REEF Ocean Exploration Center

Looking for a fun and educational way to spend your Tuesday evenings in the Florida Keys? Join us for Ocean After Hours, a brand-new weekly series at the REEF Ocean Exploration Center in Key Largo! Every Tuesday from 6–8pm, we’re hosting hands-on marine activities, ocean-themed games, and community events for ocean lovers of every age.

Each week brings a fresh experience, from workshops and trivia to creative art projects and science spotlights. Here’s are some of the exciting events we have coming up at Ocean After Hours:

Support Ocean Conservation and Education This Summer - All Gifts Matched!

There’s never been a better time to support REEF’s marine conservation mission! Throughout July, all donations to REEF are being matched dollar for dollar, up to $70,000, thanks to a group of generous foundation partners. That means your gift will go twice as far to support our ocean conservation programs.

The Great Annual Fish Count is Here

July has arrived, and so has one of the most exciting marine citizen science events of the year: the Great Annual Fish Count (GAFC)! Hosted each July, the GAFC encourages divers and snorkelers around the world to explore the underwater world, learn about marine biodiversity, and contribute valuable data through the Volunteer Fish Survey Project.

Whether you're an experienced surveyor or brand new to fish ID, the GAFC is a fantastic way to connect with fellow ocean enthusiasts and make an impact.

The Faces of REEF: Gail Roberts

REEF members are the heart of our grassroots marine conservation programs. A diverse community of divers, snorkelers, and ocean enthusiasts support our mission to conserve marine environments worldwide.

Celebrate Ocean Conservation at REEF Fest 2025

REEF Fest 2025 is happening this fall, and we’re thrilled to invite you to Key Largo, Florida from October 16-19 for a vibrant weekend celebrating marine conservation, citizen science, and community. Highlights include:
• Free ocean seminars with world-class experts, including scientists, underwater photographers, and more
• Socials every evening, including the For the Love of the Sea waterfront celebration with appetizers, dinner, and drinks. Discounted tickets are $95 until August 15; then increase to $125

Fish of the Month: July 2025

Introducing our July Fish of the Month, the Radiated Shanny, Ulvaria subbifurcata!

Survey Regions: The Radiated Shanny is found in the northern Atlantic Ocean from Newfoundland to Massachusetts, part of the Northeast US & Canada (NE) survey region. Click here to see a distribution report for this species in the REEF database.

Citizen Science Corner: April - June 2025 Achievements

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 April, May, and June 2025.

100 Survey Milestone

This is a new award for REEF members who have conducted 100+ surveys. Congratulations to those who have earned this award within the last three months!

  • Harvey Suprenant
  • Kevin Abbott
  • Jim Minor
  • Carolyn Corley

Experience Level Advancements

New REEF Trips - Croatia, The Bahamas, Jamaica, Explore Baja

We are excited to share that we've just added some new trips to our Field Survey Trip schedule for 2026, as well as a trip in 2028! Read on for the details.

Jamaica - March 14-21, 2026 - Click here for details.
Enjoy warm Jamaican hospitality and a stunning beachfront setting. The calm, protected reefs of Negril attract divers from all over the world.

Summer Learning at the Ocean Exploration Center

Looking for a fun and educational way to dive into ocean learning this summer? REEF Ocean Explorers Education Programs are now being hosted in our brand-new Ocean Exploration Center in Key Largo, and we’re excited to welcome learners of all ages!

The Ocean Exploration Center features immersive exhibits, learning stations, and a state-of-the-art classroom, all designed to spark curiosity about marine life and ocean conservation. It’s the perfect place for school groups, scout troops, families, and travelers to explore the wonders of the sea.

REEF Ocean Exploration Center - Grand Opening This Weekend!

REEF is thrilled to invite you to the grand opening celebration of the new REEF Ocean Exploration Center for Marine Conservation, taking place this weekend, June 7-8. This exciting, family-friendly event is free and open to the public, and it marks a major milestone in REEF’s mission to connect people with ocean conservation.

Whether you’re a long-time REEF member or a first-time visitor, the grand opening celebration offers a chance to check out the all-new Ocean Exploration Center and experience the wonders of the underwater world, no wetsuit needed!

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