A paper recently published in the journal Fish and Fisheries explores 70 years of visual fish census techniques, including the REEF Volunteer Fish Survey Project. The paper, titled "Global Analysis of Shallow Underwater Fish Observation Research: 70 Years of Progress, Persistent Geographic Biases and a Path Forward," was one output of a multi-year Working Group called CoNCENSUS.
Winter months always bring news of one of REEF's key conservation science effots - the Grouper Moon Project, a multi-decade conservation success story protecting one of the Caribbean’s most extraordinary natural events: the largest known spawning aggregation of the endangered Nassau Grouper. We are excited to share a new short video that tells this story. Check it out on REEF's YouTube channel "We Speak Fish".
We are excited to welcome Tom Sparke to the REEF Team as Communications Manager. Tom joins us with experience spanning marine science,conservation, and storytelling. He is an accomplished underwater videographer and avid scuba diver. Tom earned a BSc in Marine Biology & Oceanography and an MSc in Tropical Coastal Management from Newcastle University in the United Kingdom. His involvement with REEF began in 2016 as a volunteer scientific diver with the Grouper Moon Project, and he has participated every year since.
There is nothing better than escaping the cold winter months of January. Join REEF on our Field Survey Trip to Palau, January 17-27, 2027. A 10-night adventure aboard the Palau Aggressor II, timed perfectly with the full moon to witness the spectacular spawning of Red Snapper, Moorish Idols, and Orangespined Unicornfish. Following the Best of Palau itinerary, this trip promises world-class diving with incredible biodiversity. On our previous Palau REEF trip, we encountered rare marine life such as the elusive Blueback Pygmy Angelfish, Harlequin Grouper, and Helfrich’s Dartfish.
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: Eastern Atlantic & Mediterranean Invertebrates and Algae, Pt. 2
Thursday, March 26, 8pm EDT
The 2026 Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Arts Festival is just around the corner, and we’re gearing up for an exciting weekend of conservation, community, and creativity this April! This event combines hands-on invasive lionfish removal with local art, science, and education. Here’s a look into what to expect:
April 23 - Kick-off Party & Captain’s Meeting (5-7:30 PM)
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
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.
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.
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.