We have just released the 2026 REEF Field Survey Trips schedule, along with a few trips in 2027, and we hope you will join us on a future trip! We have plenty of exciting destinations planned. REEF Trips are led by marine life experts, and include diving, fish ID classes, and fun with friends. Divers, snorkelers, and families are welcome on REEF Trips. To find out more or book your space, email trips@REEF.org. We'll send you an invoice to submit a deposit to secure your space.
We are excited to welcome our Spring 2025 Marine Education & Conservation Interns to REEF! They will assist with education, outreach, events, and daily operations around the REEF Campus in Key Largo, Florida. Marine Conservation Interns play an integral role in our daily operations, programs, events, and outreach. Since 1993, more than 150 young adults have interned with REEF and transitioned into careers all over the world, in the marine conservation field and beyond. Please join us in welcoming Camila, Brit, and Anna! Here's a bit more about them:
Introducing our March Fish of the Month, the Grunt Sculpin, Rhamphocottus richardsonii!
Survey Regions: The Grunt Sculpin is found in REEF's Pacific US and Canada (PAC) survey region. It is common from Alaska to Puget Sound, with rarer sightings to the south in Oregon and California. Click here to see a distribution for this species in the REEF database.
We are honored to announce Ed Gullekson as our 2024 REEF Volunteer of the Year! Ed’s dedication to marine conservation, commitment to citizen science, and his willingness to help engage others in REEF’s mission make him a truly outstanding REEF member.
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.
This month we highlight Edgar Graudins, a REEF member who lives in Washington. Since joining REEF nine years ago, he has conducted more than 140 surveys and achieved Expert Level status in the US Pacific Coast & Canada (PAC/PNW) survey region. We're thankful to Edgar for his dedication to conservation and passion for REEF's mission!
2025 REEF Trips are filling up fast! A few spaces still remain on our REEF Trip to Curacao on November 1-8, 2025. This southern Caribbean island recently rated as one of the top 10 diving destinations by Scuba Diving magazine readers. The trip includes daily fish ID classes, five days of boat dives and unlimited shore diving! Divers and snorkelers alike will enjoy the cozy, casual atmosphere at LionsDive Resort. More info about this trip can be found here.
We are thrilled to announce the new Ocean Exploration Center for Marine Conservation at the REEF Campus in Key Largo, Florida. This state-of-the-art, interactive space will immerse visitors in the wonders of the ocean, sharing REEF’s mission and inspiring conservation action. This 4,000-square-foot, two-story facility will serve as a hub for marine conservation, education, and citizen science.
Introducing our February Fish of the Month, the Bogue, Boops boops!
Survey Regions: The Bogue is found in REEF's Eastern Atlantic & Mediterranean (EAM) survey region. It is found along the coasts of Europe, Western Africa, the Azores, and the Canary Islands. Click here to see a distribution for this species in the REEF database.
Congratulations to Fred Hartner, 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 as part of the REEF Volunteer Fish Survey Project.
We are gearing up for an amazing year of conservation and celebrations, we hope you can join us at a REEF event this year. Save the date and check out details below!
REEF by the Sea - February 28 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL: REEF Sustainers receive an invitation to this annual event, held each spring in either California or Florida. For more information about donor recognition levels, visit this page.