1,042 Surveys. 18 Events. One Great Annual Fish Count

The Great Annual Fish Count for 2026 has come to an end! Thank you to everyone who participated, and to all of our amazing partners who hosted events in their own communities.

This year, we had a total of 1,042 surveys submitted by 222 people throughout the month of July. We also had 18 events organized by volunteers and partner organizations all over the world, from Bonaire to the Maldives, and many places in between! These events actively engaged hundreds of community members in marine conservation.

Fish of the Month: August 2026

Meet our August Fish of the Month, the Grey Reef Shark, Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos, one of the most iconic reef predators of the Indo-Pacific and an unforgettable sight for any diver lucky enough to share the water with one. Sleek, curious, and perfectly built for life along the reef edge, it is a true ambassador for healthy ocean ecosystems.

Faces of REEF: Daisy Anderson

A familiar face is back at REEF, and we could not be more excited to welcome her. Daisy Anderson (she/her) has rejoined the team as our newest Marine Conservation Fellow, serving from July 2026 through May 2027. Daisy first came to REEF as an Education and Conservation Intern in the summer of 2025, and we are delighted that she has returned to continue her journey with us.

Making It Count - August 2026

Ocean Explorers Highlight: Surveying Expedition with the Adapt-Able Foundation

This summer has been filled with exciting REEF Discovery Programs and Expeditions for participants of all ages. One of the most meaningful was a two-day program with the Adapt-Able Foundation, a veteran-operated nonprofit that creates opportunities for people with physical, emotional, and developmental disabilities to experience scuba diving.

Meet the Speakers: REEF Fest 2026 Seminar Lineup

REEF Fest returns to Key Largo October 15–18, 2026, and this year's free seminar series brings an exciting lineup of scientists, naturalists, and explorers to the REEF Ocean Exploration Center. Here's a look at who's taking the stage this year alongside the REEF team.

Exploring Earth's Final Frontier: Discoveries from the Deep Ocean
Dr. Sam Purkis — Professor and Chair, Department of Marine Geosciences, University of Miami

Leave a Legacy for the Ocean

August is National Make a Will Month, a fitting moment to think about the ocean you want to leave behind. For 36 years, REEF has protected marine life through citizen science, education, and partnerships with the scientific community. A planned gift is one of the most powerful ways to make sure that work continues for generations to come.

It's July and that means it's Great Annual Fish Count month!

July is here, and so is the Great Annual Fish Count (GAFC) — a fun, worldwide celebration of fishwatching and citizen science. Every July, divers and snorkelers around the globe jump in to learn about marine diversity and conduct fish surveys as part of REEF's Volunteer Fish Survey Project. Whether you're a seasoned surveyor or picking up a slate for the first time, there's a way for you to take part.

Ways to get involved:

Fish of the Month: July 2026

Meet our July Fish of the Month, the Cherubfish, Centropyge argi — a pocket-sized stunner that proves the best things really do come in small packages. Also known as the Pygmy Angelfish, this is the smallest angelfish in the tropical Western Atlantic, and one of the most beloved by divers lucky enough to spot one.

REEF Fest Registration is now Open!

Mark your calendars: REEF Fest returns to Key Largo, Florida, October 15-18, 2026, and registration is officially open!

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