We are encouraging Tropical Western Atlantic REEF surveyors to be on the lookout for a skin condition that is affecting reef fish in the Caribbean. Black Spot Syndrome (BSS) affects many reef fish but can easily be observed on Ocean Surgeonfish, especially when they are pale in color. The black spots are usually on the fins and skin of the affected fish. In many cases, Black Spot Syndrome is caused by a trematode parasite, Scaphanocephalus spp., which moves from marine snails to reef fish and ultimately into osprey, which consume the infected fish.
If you've dreamed of diving the Red Sea, this summer is the perfect time to plan a trip! There are just a few spaces left on our Red Sea Field Survey Trip happening on July 6-16, 2023. This ten-day liveaboard trip offers the chance to explore the shipwrecks, reefs, and pinnacles of the Egyptian Red Sea. REEF Trips are a great way to meet fellow marine life lovers and learn more about the fish you see on your dives. Trips are open to all surveyor experience levels, from beginner to expert! Here are even more reasons to sign up today:
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.
Introducing our May Fish of the Month, the Red Sea Anemonefish, Amphiprion bicinctus!
Survey Regions: Red Sea Anemonefish are found only in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, part of REEF's Indian Ocean & Red Sea (IORS) survey region. Click here to see the REEF database report for this species.
Size: They grow to be about 6 inches long.
When diverse experiences are brought together and amplified, they become a movement and a force for change. Join the conversation and be part of this movement as we share and learn together about the importance of listening, understanding, and amplifying the voices and experiences of equity-deserving groups in marine conservation.
The fourth annual Fish Out of Water Virtual 5K is coming up on June 5-11. Have you registered to join us yet? You can participate from anywhere in the world, and pick your favorite way to get active - run, walk, hike, bike, or swim - anything goes! When you sign up, you will choose to join one of five Fish Teams. Read on to learn more about this year's Fish Teams, and click here to read about each fish's race personality!
The REEF Volunteer Fish Survey Project operates worldwide, and REEF members are located all over the globe, but our physical location - and our home since REEF was founded in 1990 - has always been in the Florida Keys. The REEF Campus in Key Largo is a visitor center and nature center, which includes the historic REEF Headquarters building, the Interpretive Center, and an outdoor oasis including a Native Plants Trail, butterfly garden, and covered picnic and gathering area.
Each year on the last Friday in April, REEF celebrates Give BIG for the Oceans. This single-day giving event is a way for the REEF community to come together to celebrate and support ocean conservation. Give BIG for the Oceans 2023 is coming up on April 28. All donations made during Give BIG for the Oceans 2023 will be MATCHED up to $15,000! We're so thankful to the Pelton Charitable Foundation and an anonymous supporter for providing these matching funds. Be sure to mark April 28 on your calendar because you don't want to miss this remarkable match opportunity.
We are excited to share the 2024 REEF Field Survey Trips schedule! 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. For individual trip details and more info, please visit the links below.
Spring is here, and the REEF education team is hard at work teaching all ages about the ocean and marine conservation! REEF Ocean Explorers Education Programs bring the ocean to life through online and in-person learning. Our programs include hands-on lessons and activities to teach participants of all ages and backgrounds about citizen science, ocean life, marine ecology and habitats, and most importantly, how we can make a difference. Here are some stats from REEF Ocean Explorers Education Programs so far in 2023: