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.
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.
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.
After more than a decade of supporting REEF’s mission, we’re wishing Amy Lee a fond farewell and best fishes on her next adventure. Her last day with the REEF Team was at the end of January. Amy first came to Key Largo in 2014 as a REEF Marine Conservation Intern after graduating from the University of South Carolina. She joined the REEF staff in April 2015 and quickly became a shining example of an early-career professional connecting divers, snorkelers, and ocean lovers with meaningful action for marine conservation. For the past six years, Amy has served as our Communications Manager.
Starting in February, REEF is excited to welcome eight classes from Key Largo School 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 our 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:
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: Tropical Pacific Cardinalfishes
Wednesday, February 18, 8pm EST
We are excited to welcome our Spring 2026 Marine Education & Conservation Interns to REEF! They will assist with education, outreach, events, and more at the REEF Ocean Exploration Center in Key Largo. 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. We also are thrilled that three of our Fall 2025 Interns have continued their REEF journey as our new Marine Conservation Fellows.
Introducing our February Fish of the Month, the Kelp Bass, Paralabrax clathratus!
Netflix’s reality competition show All the Sharks has made waves not only with viewers around the world, but also in the ocean conservation community, and REEF was at the heart of the excitement.
The six-part series follows four teams of shark experts as they visit some of the world’s most biodiverse waters to find and photograph as many shark species as possible. Along the way, they dive deep into shark science, compete for a grand prize of $50,000, and highlight the importance of protecting sharks and rays.