At the REEF Ocean Exploration Center in Key Largo, science and art come together to spark curiosity and connection through The Ocean Inspires, a rotating art exhibit that showcases the work of artists, poets, and creatives who draw upon the ocean as a source of inspiration. Featuring interactive talkback boards, comfortable, inviting seating, and marine-focused art displays, The Ocean Inspires serves as a space for dialogue, reflection, and action.
Introducing our August Fish of the Month, the
Survey Regions: info
Size: info
Identifying Features: info
Fun Facts: info
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for our next Fish of the Month.
Photo by xxxx
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, as well as 200+ recorded Fishinars here.
While our 2025 Field Survey Trips are filling fast, there’s still plenty of space to join us in 2026, like our Cayman Brac trip, taking place April 4–11, 2026! Cayman Brac Beach Resort has something for everyone to enjoy, including comfortable accommodations, chef-prepared meals, and daily morning and afternoon boat dives. Reef Divers’ personalized valet services make it easy to explore underwater.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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
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.