The votes have been counted, and we're excited to share the 2025 Discover the Sea Photography Contest results! Nearly 400 stunning photos were submitted to this year's contest, and over 3,000 votes were cast! First, second, and third place winners were selected via popular vote for each of the following photo categories: Fish Portrait, Macro, Invertebrate, Comedy, and Habitat/Seascape/Environment. Visit this page to view all the winning photos.
Join REEF’s upcoming second Field Survey Trip to Northern Sulawesi on the special Passport to Paradise itinerary, allowing you to explore three incredible destinations in one trip! The adventure begins with four nights at Murex Manado Resort, home to stunning wall dives and an amazing diversity of species. Following this, we'll head to Murex Bangka Resort, where the pristine reefs are teeming with life.
We are excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Educator in the Field Fellowship! This unique opportunity invites one exceptional educator to join the REEF Field Survey Trip to Bonaire on July 11–18, 2026, for an immersive week of marine conservation, citizen science, and hands-on learning. Through the Fellowship, educators gain firsthand experience in fish identification, data collection, and marine research methods. The selected Fellow may participate in the trip as a diver or snorkeler.
Introducing our October Fish of the Month, the Longnose Filefish, Oxymonacanthus longirostris!
REEF Fest is nearly here, and we couldn't be more excited for our annual marine conservation celebration in Key Largo! If you're planning to attend, we look forward to seeing you soon. If you haven't yet registered, you can still make plans to join us Oct 16-19 for ocean presentations, fun socials, and more. Check out all the details and register for REEF Fest at www.REEF.org/REEFfest.
At the end of this month, REEF staff and partners from collaborating institutions including Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego and Oregon State University will be attending the annual scientific conference hosted by the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI) in Cartagena, Colombia. This annual gathering brings together scientists, park managers, fishers, and conservation organizations to share the latest in research and initiatives.
We are thrilled to welcome Chesley Davis to the REEF team as Director of Learning and Engagement. Based at the REEF Campus in Key Largo, FL, Chesley brings a passion for teaching environmental science through hands-on learning experiences. In her role, Chesley oversees REEF Ocean Explorers education programs, helping to connect learners of all ages with marine science and conservation. She also supports community outreach and educational initiatives at the new Ocean Exploration Center.
Welcome to the Citizen Science Corner, our quarterly feature to celebrate those who recently reached a milestone in our Volunteer Fish Survey Project. Here are achievements from July, August and September 2025.
Golden Hamlet Award
Congratulations to Herb Gruenhagen for completing 1,000 REEF surveys and joining the Golden Hamlet Club! Check out the article about Herb in this issue of e-News to learn more.
Juvenile Hamlet Award
REEF Fest is returning to Key Largo this October 16-19, 2025, and one of the most anticipated parts of the weekend is the free seminar series, now hosted in the brand-new REEF Ocean Exploration Center. These engaging talks feature marine scientists, conservationists, and underwater explorers who will share more about their work and storytelling. This year’s presentations take place on Friday, Oct. 17 and Saturday, Oct. 18. All seminars are free and open to the public, and will be live-streamed and recorded for later viewing.
Join REEF’s upcoming Field Survey Trip to Jardines de la Reina (Gardens of the Queen), Cuba, on June 27-July 4, 2026! This protected marine park is one of the Caribbean’s most pristine ecosystems, where divers regularly encounter large snapper, grouper, and sharks among vibrant, healthy coral reefs. Surveyors will also have the rare opportunity to spot the dazzling Golden Fairy Basslet while contributing valuable data to REEF’s marine conservation efforts.