The Faces of REEF: Matt Wilbur

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.

This month we highlight Matt Wilbur, a REEF member from California. He joined REEF in 2021, started conducting surveys in 2023, and has conducted more than 220 surveys in the California, Pacific Northwest and Alaska (PAC) survey region in less than a year! We are excited to feature Matt this month and are thankful that he is part of REEF!

You're Invited - Oceans for All: Exploring Diverse Experiences in Marine Conservation

You're invited to join us on Thursday, May 9 at 8pm ET for a special webinar, Oceans for All: Exploring Diverse Experiences in Marine Conservation. This webinar celebrates the voices and experiences of people who are making an impact in marine conservation. The webinar will feature a diverse panel of marine conservation professionals who will come together to discuss and share their unique professional journeys through the field.

We are excited to welcome the following amazing panelists:

Collecting Clues: How REEF volunteers can help unmask hidden diversity with eDNA

REEF and the Semmens Lab at Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) are collaborating on an exciting new project that uses cutting-edge technology to improve our understanding of ocean ecosystems. The idea is simple: enable REEF volunteers to collect bits of environmental DNA (eDNA), the genetic material that animals shed into their surroundings.  REEF surveyors, who are already in the water conducting fish surveys as part of the Volunteer Fish Survey Project (VFSP), are excellent candidates to help gather eDNA samples.
Paul Bonatz relaxing on the ocean

The Golden Hamlet Club Gains a New Member

We are excited to welcome Paul Bonatz to the Golden Hamlet Club, which honors the achievements of those who have conducted and submitted 1,000 REEF surveys as part of the Volunteer Fish Survey Project. As the 47th REEF surveyor to achieve this milestone, Paul's name will be added to a special Golden Hamlet Club plaque that is displayed at the REEF Campus in Key Largo, FL.

Citizen Science Dives: SMILE Project

REEF is seeking experienced divers (Advanced Open Water and 50+ dives) to assist with a new citizen science initiative, the SMILE project.

The SMILE project (Size Matters: Innovative Length Estimate) estimates lengths of important fish species in the water using special underwater cameras. The data collected from this project will support fisheries management and stock assessments. Visit this page to read more about the SMILE project.

Citizen Science Dives: SMILE Project

REEF is seeking experienced divers (Advanced Open Water and 50+ dives) to assist with a new citizen science initiative, the SMILE project.

The SMILE project (Size Matters: Innovative Length Estimate) estimates lengths of important fish species in the water using special underwater cameras. The data collected from this project will support fisheries management and stock assessments. Visit this page to read more about the SMILE project.

Great Annual Fish Count with Pura Vida Divers, Blue Heron Bridge

We've partnered with Pura Vida Divers for a Great Annual Fish Count (GAFC) event at the famous shore diving site, Blue Heron Bridge at Phil Foster Park! Held each July, the GAFC is an initiative to encourage divers and snorkelers to participate in the REEF Volunteer Fish Survey Project. Conducting REEF surveys is a great way to add more excitement to your time in the water while collecting important information about the oceans. Your contributions provide valuable data to researchers as they monitor marine life. Anyone can join in the fun, whether you are a diver or a snorkeler.

Great Annual Fish Count with Key Dives, Islamorada, FL

This Great Annual Fish Count, join REEF and Key Dives for a free fish ID class, followed by two REEF survey dives. 

The educator will join the participants on the afternoon boat to provide survey supplies, answer questions about surveying, and help identify fish that you see.

This class is great for beginners! Check out this two-minute video on REEF surveys.

RESCHEDULED: South Atlantic States: Fish ID Class and Survey Dives - Morehead City, NC

**Due to weather, the South Atlantic States Fish Identification Workshop has been rescheduled. Please see the below for the updated information.

Join REEF and Olympus Dive Center in hosting a fish identification and surveying workshop in North Carolina! This is a fun way to get in the water, learn new things, and help gather data on our marine ecosystems.

Great Annual Fish Count with John Pennekamp State Park, Key Largo, FL

Join us for a free fish ID class, held every Thursday from 11am-12pm at the John Pennekamp State Park Visitor Center. This engaging class will teach you how to identify various fishes that you'll see while snorkeling or diving in the Florida Keys!

Address:

John Pennekamp State Park Visitor Center

102601 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037

Pages