You're Invited to celebrate with us at the grand opening of the REEF Ocean Exploration Center on June 7-8! Join us as we unveil the brand-new Ocean Exploration Center at the REEF Campus in Key Largo, Florida. Coinciding with World Ocean Day, this milestone event marks a new chapter in marine conservation, education, and community engagement. The Ocean Exploration Center is a dynamic, interactive space where ocean enthusiasts of all ages can explore the wonders of the underwater world - no wetsuit required!
Introducing our May Fish of the Month, the Flying Gurnard, Dactylopterus volitans!
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, as well as 200+ recorded Fishinars here.
Fishinar: Fishes of Micronesia Part 2
Tuesday, May 6, 8pm ET
Click here to register.
REEF staff member Amy Lee will highlight some of the amazing species found in Micronesia, part of the Central Indo-Pacific (CIP) survey region.
We are holding a Virtual Interest Meeting for Docents this Wednesday, May 7th at 6:00 PM! As the Ocean Exploration Center nears its opening, we are creating a new Docent program that is dedicated to the new building. Docents will engage with visitors surrounding the content in the center, help facilitate different activities, and assist with any operational needs in the retail area. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with people in the community and visitors to the Florida Keys, and share your love of the ocean.
We want to hear from members like YOU! Help us improve exciting REEF research by taking a quick (10-15 minute), voluntary online survey to share your insights on citizen science and your motivations for potentially participating in a marine conservation project that utilizes handheld cameras to obtain fish lengths underwater. No particular experience is necessary to complete this survey and provide valuable information.
The REEF Volunteer Fish Survey Project is widely regarded as one of the most impactful ocean citizen science programs. Since 1993, almost 18,000 REEF volunteers have generated one of the largest marine life databases in the world. What makes it such a success? Since the beginning, the data have been made available to everyone. Anyone can query the database and generate summary reports on the REEF website.
We are excited to welcome Rose Kelly to the REEF team as an Education Coordinator! Rose is based at the REEF Campus in Key Largo, FL. She grew up in Bethesda, MD, and traveled to Florida every spring for family vacations. She has a deep love for snorkeling, beach walks, and exploring the coast. Rose graduated from Providence College with a B.S. in environmental biology. During her time at Providence, Rose served on Student Congress, worked as a school event planner, and traveled to Cairns, Australia, to pursue research on animals in the tropics.
Join us for a FREE Fish ID Class at Trans World Radio (TWR) Bonaire Headquarters on Tuesday, April 29, starting at 7:00pm AST! Expert surveyor and REEF advocate, Carmen Toanchina will be teaching about the squirrelfish, cardinalfish, and bigeyes found in Bonaire
What to Expect:
• Learn to identify local species of fish
• Explore what it means to be a citizen scientist and contribute data to the Volunteer Fish Survey Project
• Gather with fellow ocean lovers. All are welcome!
Join REEF on its continued exploration of the East Atlantic and Mediterranean region. Just outside Split, Croatia, Trogir Diving Center is proud to have beaten the test of time, being in service for more than 30 years. Its multiple boats and opportunities for shore diving make it the perfect spot for REEF explorers. With incredible underwater landscapes and crystal clear waters, there is plenty to find. Topside, there is just as much to explore!