We are encouraging Tropical Western Atlantic REEF surveyors to be on the lookout for a skin condition that is affecting reef fish in the Caribbean. Black Spot Syndrome (BSS) affects many reef fish but can easily be observed on Ocean Surgeonfish, especially when they are pale in color. The black spots are usually on the fins and skin of the affected fish. In many cases, Black Spot Syndrome is caused by a trematode parasite, Scaphanocephalus spp., which moves from marine snails to reef fish and ultimately into osprey, which consume the infected fish.
If you've dreamed of diving the Red Sea, this summer is the perfect time to plan a trip! There are just a few spaces left on our Red Sea Field Survey Trip happening on July 6-16, 2023. This ten-day liveaboard trip offers the chance to explore the shipwrecks, reefs, and pinnacles of the Egyptian Red Sea. REEF Trips are a great way to meet fellow marine life lovers and learn more about the fish you see on your dives. Trips are open to all surveyor experience levels, from beginner to expert! Here are even more reasons to sign up today:
REEF members are the heart of our grassroots marine conservation programs. A diverse community of divers, snorkelers, and ocean enthusiasts support our mission to conserve marine environments worldwide.
Introducing our May Fish of the Month, the Red Sea Anemonefish, Amphiprion bicinctus!
Survey Regions: Red Sea Anemonefish are found only in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, part of REEF's Indian Ocean & Red Sea (IORS) survey region. Click here to see the REEF database report for this species.
Size: They grow to be about 6 inches long.
When diverse experiences are brought together and amplified, they become a movement and a force for change. Join the conversation and be part of this movement as we share and learn together about the importance of listening, understanding, and amplifying the voices and experiences of equity-deserving groups in marine conservation.
The fourth annual Fish Out of Water Virtual 5K is coming up on June 5-11. Have you registered to join us yet? You can participate from anywhere in the world, and pick your favorite way to get active - run, walk, hike, bike, or swim - anything goes! When you sign up, you will choose to join one of five Fish Teams. Read on to learn more about this year's Fish Teams, and click here to read about each fish's race personality!
This Great Annual Fish Count, join REEF and Amoray Dive Center for a free fish ID class, followed by a REEF survey dive/snorkel.
Morning check-in for class at REEF Interpretive Center at 9:15am, break for lunch at 11am (on your own), and check-in for the survey dive/snorkel at Amoray Dive Center at 12:15pm.
- Class: REEF Interpretive Center, 98300 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
- Survey Dives/Snorkel: Amoray Dive Center, 104250 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
This Great Annual Fish Count, join REEF and Key Dives for a free fish ID class, followed by two REEF survey dives.
Morning check-in for class at REEF Interpretive Center at 9:15am, break for lunch (on your own) at 11am, and check-in for the survey dives at Key Dives at 12:30pm.
Locations
REEF Interpretive Center: 98300 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
Key Dives: 79851 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
Complete this Dive Waiver no more than 30 days prior to the trip:
The REEF Volunteer Fish Survey Project operates worldwide, and REEF members are located all over the globe, but our physical location - and our home since REEF was founded in 1990 - has always been in the Florida Keys. The REEF Campus in Key Largo is a visitor center and nature center, which includes the historic REEF Headquarters building, the Interpretive Center, and an outdoor oasis including a Native Plants Trail, butterfly garden, and covered picnic and gathering area.
Each year on the last Friday in April, REEF celebrates Give BIG for the Oceans. This single-day giving event is a way for the REEF community to come together to celebrate and support ocean conservation. Give BIG for the Oceans 2023 is coming up on April 28. All donations made during Give BIG for the Oceans 2023 will be MATCHED up to $15,000! We're so thankful to the Pelton Charitable Foundation and an anonymous supporter for providing these matching funds. Be sure to mark April 28 on your calendar because you don't want to miss this remarkable match opportunity.