REEF Fest 2026 is a wrap, and what a weekend it was! From October 15–18, divers, snorkelers, scientists, and ocean lovers from near and far gathered in Key Largo for four days of seminars, socials, diving, and celebration. To everyone who joined us, whether in person or online, thank you. You are what makes REEF Fest so special, and together we celebrated not just marine conservation, but the collective impact of the entire REEF community.
The Error Checking team processes your surveys and as you may know- emails you asking for a photo or description about a possible questionable sighting. This two-step process ensures our database accuracy. Here are some common corrections the team comes across:
Remora- Sharksucker-Whitefin Sharksucker
Since 2001, REEF has been counting sea turtles on surveys per a partnership with Seaturtle.org. It’s always fun to see these reptilian friends underwater. Sometimes close up and sometimes in the distance, they can be easy to identify or pose a real challenge. Hopefully, these tips will help if you see one close up munching on sponges or as a shadowy shape off in the distance on your safety stop. The most commonly seen sea turtles reported are:
REEF is excited to announce not one, but two recent Golden Hamlet Club members: Karen Bogart and Sue Manning.
Karen has done surveys in TWA, SOP, and CIP. She is an expert in TWA and amateur in the others. “Although I am going to try to get a higher level in CIP since we are going to the Red Sea and Maldives next year.” Nothing is stopping her as she wants to then achieve Ultra Golden Hamlet status. Karen lives in Roatan and loves to share REEF with other divers.
Congratulations to REEF surveyor Callie Mack, who recently joined the Golden Hamlet Club! This notable group of highly dedicated volunteers have submitted 1,000 or more REEF surveys in contribution to the Volunteer Fish Survey Project.
We have just a few spaces remaining on Field Survey Trips to some of the world's best dive destinations. From the incredible biodiversity of the Solomon Islands to the spectacular pelagic megafauna of Socorro, these unforgettable journeys offer something for every diver. Both liveaboards are renowned, highly experienced operators with a long-standing history of supporting our Field Survey Trips. Their expert crews, intimate knowledge of their destinations, and commitment to incredible diving make them the perfect match for these extraordinary trips.
Sometimes, making a difference for the ocean starts with getting your hands dirty.
This September, REEF interns, volunteers, and community members came together for International Coastal Cleanup Day at the Ocean Forest Restoration site in Dagny Johnson State Park. The morning was a chance to get into the field and take direct action to care for the coastal environment we all share.
Calling all educators! Applications for the 2027 REEF Educator in the Field Fellowship open October 1, 2026. This is a chance for a formal or informal educator to gain hands-on experience with ocean citizen science, with expenses covered, on a REEF Field Survey Trip.
Every REEF survey tells part of the story of our ocean, and together, more than three decades of volunteer observations have created an extraordinary record of marine biodiversity. Just as important as collecting those data is making sure they remain accurate, accessible, and useful well into the future. REEF Co-Executive Director Dr.
REEF Fest returns to Key Largo, Florida, October 15–18, 2026, for four days of seminars, diving, socials, and celebration. Registration is open now, and here is what you will not want to miss.