There is nothing better than escaping the cold winter months of January. Join REEF on our Field Survey Trip to Palau, January 17-27, 2027. A 10-night adventure aboard the Palau Aggressor II, timed perfectly with the full moon to witness the spectacular spawning of Red Snapper, Moorish Idols, and Orangespined Unicornfish. Following the Best of Palau itinerary, this trip promises world-class diving with incredible biodiversity. On our previous Palau REEF trip, we encountered rare marine life such as the elusive Blueback Pygmy Angelfish, Harlequin Grouper, and Helfrich’s Dartfish.
Our online programs are free and open to all! Check out what's coming up, and view the entire schedule of Fishinars and other online programs here.
Fishinar: Eastern Atlantic & Mediterranean Invertebrates and Algae, Pt. 2
Thursday, March 26, 8pm EDT
The 2026 Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Arts Festival is just around the corner, and we’re gearing up for an exciting weekend of conservation, community, and creativity this April! This event combines hands-on invasive lionfish removal with local art, science, and education. Here’s a look into what to expect:
April 23 - Kick-off Party & Captain’s Meeting (5-7:30 PM)
As REEF continues to grow in scope and scale, our leadership must grow along with it. Last year, the Board of Trustees made the strategic decision to expand from nine to eleven members to better support our mission. We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Julia Parrish and Will Ribbens officially joined the Board on January 1, 2026.
Both Julia and Will bring a wealth of expertise, a passion for citizen science, and a deep-rooted love for the marine environment. Please join us in welcoming them to the REEF family!
Dr. Julia Parrish
In 2026, the Grouper Moon Project entered its 24th year, marking more than two decades as the Caribbean’s longest-running continuous research program focused on Nassau Grouper, Epinephelus striatus, spawning aggregations. Led by REEF and the Cayman Islands Department of Environment (DoE), in collaboration with Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego and Oregon State University, the project has become one of the most advanced, multi-faceted tropical fisheries research efforts in the world.
On February 3, a special Ocean After Hours evening at the REEF Ocean Exploration Center in Key Largo celebrated the completion of “Textures of the Tide,” a new collaborative installation created with mosaic artist Sonata Kazimieraitiene, featured in The Ocean Inspires exhibit series.
The reception brought together REEF supporters, community members, and partners for brief remarks, a short talk by Sonata, and time to meet the artist and experience the finished work up close.
Starting in February, REEF is excited to welcome eight classes from Key Largo schools to our Ocean Exploration Center for hands-on educational field trips. These visits are made possible through the UWCK Marine Science Education Grant, funded by the United Way of Collier and the Keys and the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, with additional support from REEF. By covering transportation costs, the grant removes a major barrier for local schools and makes it possible for hundreds of students to visit REEF's Ocean Exploration Center and engage directly with marine science.
Looking for that once-in-a-lifetime trip? Join us on a custom 10-night transition charter aboard the Philippines Aggressor, making our way from Tubbataha to Visayas. The Tubbataha Reefs National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Visayas is home to some of the best scuba diving the Philippines has to offer. From soft coral-covered walls to black sand dives, see Thresher Sharks, huge schools of sardines, turtles, schools of jacks, Whale Sharks, and more. There is plenty to see, from big to small, on this special trip.
We’re counting down to the 2026 Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Arts Festival this April! This event brings together invasive lionfish removal, vibrant local arts, and conservation action - engaging the community in ocean stewardship through interactive and educational experiences. Here’s what to expect: