In Memory Of

REEF is made up of passionate members who champion for our oceans and contribute their time and talents to preserving our environment. Many have been members for years and a few recently departed, before their time. We gratefully acknowledge these individuals and their family’s desire to recognize the importance of REEF in their lives by designating REEF as a recipient of donations in lieu of flowers. 

Darcy Mellen-Sullivan, Naples, FL 

John Craig Nunez, Anacortes, WA

Michael Kevin Forgatch, Palm Beach, FL. 

Ocean Reef Community Foundation Grant Awarded to REEF

Thanks to the Ocean Reef Community Foundation’s grant funding opportunities, REEF is partnering with the Florida Keys Children’s Shelter to provide its resident children and clients with summer programs that include outdoor and water-based field trips and ocean learning. The unique habitats, plants, and animals of the Florida Keys offer a one of a kind childhood experience to those with the resources to venture outside.

Ways to Celebrate World Oceans Day!

Did you know that the ocean regulates our climate, generates most of the oxygen we breathe, and is home to millions of different living creatures? On June 8, people will come together to honor and help protect our world’s oceans. Whether you live near the coast or inland, you can take part in this special day to reflect on what the ocean means to you. Here are some ways you can join REEF in celebrating World Oceans Day. 

REEF Fest 2018: September 20 – 23

REEF’s annual celebration of marine conservation is just 4 months away! Event registration is now open. Please visit www.REEF.org/REEFfest for event details, to register, and to purchase a ticket to REEF’s annual banquet, For the Love of the Sea. We hope you will join us for a weekend of diving, ocean-themed seminars, social events, and mingling with fellow marine life enthusiasts!

The Faces of REEF: Don Gordon

REEF members are at the heart of our grassroots marine conservation programs. More than 65,000 divers, snorkelers, students, and armchair naturalists stand behind our mission. 

This month we highlight Don Gordon, REEF member since 2011. Don recently achieved Golden Hamlet status, and has conducted 1007 surveys to date, mostly in the chilly waters of British Columbia, Canada. Don is a member of the PAC Advanced Assessment Team (AAT) and is active in several of REEF’s special monitoring projects. Here's what Don had to say about REEF:

Putting it to Work: Who’s Using REEF Data, June 2018

Every month, scientists, government agencies, and other groups request raw data from REEF’s Fish Survey Project database. Recent examples of data requests include:

-       Staff from MacArthur State Beach Park in Florida are using REEF data to evaluate fish populations in the park.

-       Researchers at SeaDoc Society and Washington Department of Fish and Game are using REEF data to evaluate Northern (Pinto) Abalone in Washington State

Making It Count - May 2018

Join a REEF Trip this August!

If you haven't planned your summer vacation yet, it's not too late to join a REEF Field Survey Trip this August. We have spaces remaining on trips to Brazil and Belize this summer and hope you can join us!

Two Exotic Fish Species Removed from South Florida Waters

In April 2018, two non-native marine fish species were live-captured from South Florida waters, including an Orangespine Unicornfish (Naso lituratus) in Key Largo and a Lagoon Triggerfish (Rhinecanthus aculeatus) in Fort Lauderdale. Both fishes, native to a wide range in the tropical west Pacific, were collected separately through a collaborative effort between REEF, Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, and the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Continues Protection of Endangered Goliath Grouper in Florida State Waters

On Thursday, April 26, after considering more than three hours of stakeholder comments, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) ruled to continue the protection of the Goliath Grouper (Epinephelus itajara) in Florida state waters.

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