Please join us in welcoming Dylan Sanchez to the REEF team as our new Outreach Coordinator, based at the REEF Campus in Key Largo.
We're excited to share that REEF has been chosen as one of the first host organizations for Claude Corps, a new national fellowship program from Anthropic that places early-career talent within mission-driven nonprofits.
In recent decades, many shark and ray populations have declined dramatically. In the wider Caribbean, this trend became apparent in the 2000s, when researchers from Dalhousie University used REEF survey data to conduct a regional assessment of reef-associated shark sightings.
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 April, May and June 2026.
100 Survey Milestone
Congratulations to those who have reached this milestone within the last three months:
Danielle Nielsen
Lionel Charles
Carol Risdall
Francis Malinosky-Rummell
Mariette Brommelcamp
Morgan Lyons
Paul Terkelsen
Experience Level Advancements
Logging 1,000 REEF surveys is no small feat. REEF member Lynn Fulks of San Diego County just completed her 1,000th survey dive at Atlantis Resort in Puerto Galera, Philippines, diving with the Water Planet Images group she joins every year. Lynn's journey to REEF and her Golden Status started in 2006, when she was inspired by Golden Hamlet Linda Ridley in Bonaire. Living aboard their sailing catamaran Blue Marine, Linda taught Lynn and her husband Todd the REEF ID courses and pushed Lynn all the way to Level 5 in the TWA region.
Join us at New River Beach for this year's REEF Great Annual Fish Count Dive and Potluck!
REEF (Reef Environmental Education Foundation) is an international marine conservation organization that engages divers and ocean enthusiasts in citizen science projects that help protect marine biodiversity. By participating, you'll contribute valuable data while enjoying a fantastic day of diving with fellow ocean lovers.
July is right around the corner, which means it is almost time for the Great Annual Fish Count (GAFC)! This annual event is a time meant to celebrate and amplify the power of citizen science, and we hope you all will join in on the fun!
Join us for a FREE marine life education class at the Trans World Radio (TWR) Bonaire Headquarters on Thursday, June 25 Thursday, July 16 at 7:00 pm AST! (date changed due to the Netherlands playing in the World Cup soccer finals)
We’ll be starting our new series on odd‑shaped swimmers, beginning with the puffers, porcupinefish, and boxfish
What to Expect:
Learn how to distinguish commonly confused fish species
Explore what it means to be a citizen scientist and how you can contribute to the Volunteer Fish Survey Project
This Great Annual Fish Count, join Dive Friends Bonaire for a fish ID presentation taught by REEF expert surveyor, Carmen Toanchina, followed by a survey dive, and culminating with a nice cruise including snacks & drinks at sunset! Whether you're a seasoned surveyor or this is the start of your citizen scientist journey, this is an exciting time to learn more and continue contributing to fish monitoring!