As a REEF member, you can access a complete list of all fish species found in any of REEF's ten survey regions. Each list shows both the common name used in REEF database, as well as the scientific name for all species in a given region. This is helpful in areas where common names are not standardized. To find the common name used in the REEF database, simply search for a species using the scientific name, and you'll be able to see the common name used in the REEF database.
The holidays are nearly here, and we're excited to kick off this season of gratitude with Giving Tuesday on November 29. Giving Tuesday is an annual movement to recognize the power of generosity and make a difference in your community. Will you save the date and plan to celebrate Giving Tuesday with REEF on November 29?
Since its launch in 1993, the REEF Volunteer Fish Survey Project (VFSP) has generated one of the largest marine life databases in the world. The database currently includes almost 278,000 surveys, from more than 15,000 sites throughout the world’s oceans. More than 16,000 volunteer divers and snorkelers have participated in this citizen science project.
With its technicolor array of hard and soft corals, schooling pelagic fish, plentiful marine life, and clear water, the Red Sea is a spot on almost every diver's "must see" list. If you've dreamed of diving the Red Sea, now is your chance! There are just a few spaces left on our Red Sea Field Survey Trip happening on July 6-16, 2023. This ten-day liveaboard trip offers the chance to explore the shipwrecks, reefs, and pinnacles of the Egyptian Red Sea, part of REEF's newest survey region.
The holidays are here, and REEF has plenty of great gifts for the ocean lover in your life! Check out our new Ocean Icon Rash Guards, featuring charismatic megafauna like the whale shark, manta ray, and sunfish. These rash guards are breathable and comfortable to wear while relaxing at home or during a day on the water. You can pair it with a visor, beanie, or a colorful REEF trucker hat for extra sun or wind protection.
All are invited to join in our annual Oceanside Chat with Ned and Anna DeLoach on Thursday, December 8, 8pm EST. Enjoy an evening with Ned and Anna as share stories of their underwater adventures, their holiday traditions, and reflect on REEF's programs and impact. We hope to see you for this virtual holiday celebration! Click here to register.
REEF Into the Blue Book Club brings together readers who are interested in the ocean and conservation. Each quarter, we meet virtually to discuss a book related to the ocean, marine science, conservation, or diving - and the author often joins in! Click here to join the book club. As a member, you will receive emails with information on our chosen books, meeting reminders, and discussion questions.
Congratulations to REEF surveyors Claude Nichols and Jonathan Lavan, who recently joined the Golden Hamlet Club! This is a highly dedicated group of surveyors who have conducted 1,000 or more REEF surveys. To commemorate this significant achievement, Golden Hamlet Club members’ names are engraved on a plaque displayed at the REEF Campus in Key Largo, Florida.
Meet our November Fish of the Month, the Giant Damselfish, Microspathodon dorsalis!
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.