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.
Join REEF in kicking off the holiday season with beer and holiday cheer at Florida Keys Brewing Co. for the 4th Annual Merry Fishmas Trivia Night!
Trivia is free to play and prizes will be awarded to top-scoring teams
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
Join us for a FREE Fish ID class at the Trans World Radio (TWR) Bonaire Headquarters on Tuesday, September 30, starting at 7:00 PM AST!
As a continuation of last month’s class, expert REEF surveyors Carmen Toanchina and Dana Kowalsick will be diving deeper into the world of Blennies.
What to Expect:
• Learn to identify local species of Blennies in Bonaire
• 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!
KEY LARGO, FLA. – Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) invites all to join a vibrant weekend of ocean conservation, citizen science, and community engagement at REEF Fest, taking place on October 16–19, 2025, in Key Largo, Florida.
