Welcoming Two New Members to the REEF Board of Trustees

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

Putting it to Work: The Grouper Return!

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.

Ocean After Hours Highlight: A community mosaic comes to life at the Ocean Exploration Center

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.

Best "Fishes" and Fair Winds to Amy Lee

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.

Ocean Explorers Education Program Spotlight

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.

Upcoming Field Survey Trips 2026

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.

Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Arts Festival 2026

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:

Upcoming Fishinars and Online Programs: February 2026

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

Click here to register

Welcome REEF's Spring Education & Conservation Interns & Marine Conservation Fellows

We are excited to welcome the Spring 2026 Marine Education & Conservation Interns to REEF! The Interns and Fellows are based at the REEF Campus in Key Largo, and will assist with education, outreach, events, and more. 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 are also thrilled that three of REEF's Fall 2025 Interns have continued their REEF journey as the new Marine Conservation Fellows.

Fish of the Month: February 2026

Introducing our February Fish of the Month, the Kelp Bass, Paralabrax clathratus!

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