We are excited to welcome Tom Sparke to the REEF Team as Communications Manager. Tom joins us with experience spanning marine science,conservation, and storytelling. He is an accomplished underwater videographer and avid scuba diver. Tom earned a BSc in Marine Biology & Oceanography and an MSc in Tropical Coastal Management from Newcastle University in the United Kingdom. His involvement with REEF began in 2016 as a volunteer scientific diver with the Grouper Moon Project, and he has participated every year since.
There is nothing better than escaping the cold winter months of January. Join REEF on our Field Survey Trip to Palau, January 17-27, 2027. A 10-night adventure aboard the Palau Aggressor II, timed perfectly with the full moon to witness the spectacular spawning of Red Snapper, Moorish Idols, and Orangespined Unicornfish. Following the Best of Palau itinerary, this trip promises world-class diving with incredible biodiversity. On our previous Palau REEF trip, we encountered rare marine life such as the elusive Blueback Pygmy Angelfish, Harlequin Grouper, and Helfrich’s Dartfish.
Our online programs are free and open to all! Check out what's coming up, and view the entire schedule of Fishinars and other online programs here.
Fishinar: Eastern Atlantic & Mediterranean Invertebrates and Algae, Pt. 2
Thursday, March 26, 8pm EDT
The 2026 Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Arts Festival is just around the corner, and we’re gearing up for an exciting weekend of conservation, community, and creativity this April! This event combines hands-on invasive lionfish removal with local art, science, and education. Here’s a look into what to expect:
April 23 - Kick-off Party & Captain’s Meeting (5-7:30 PM)
This Halmahera liveaboard trip is designed to bring divers to all corners of this remote and diverse archipelago. North of the Banda Sea and west of the world-famous Raja Ampat lies this underpopulated island and its neighbouring archipelago of volcanoes, sandy beaches, and mangroves. Divers can visit the drop-offs in south Bacan to see barracuda, explore the islands of Goraici for schooling reef fish and giant bait balls, and finally, hunt under the docks at Makian and Leilei for little critters.
Our annual Cozumel trip is known for its many unique fish finds, including the Cozumel-endemic Splendid Toadfish as well as high concentrations of other interesting species like Cherubfish, Blackcap Basslets, and Sargassum Triggerfish. When not diving, you will enjoy all the wonderful food and culture that Mexico has to offer, as well as daily fish ID classes. Reserve your spot today because this popular trip is sure to sell out quickly!
As REEF continues to grow in scope and scale, our leadership must grow along with it. Last year, the Board of Trustees made the strategic decision to expand from nine to eleven members to better support our mission. We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Julia Parrish and Will Ribbens officially joined the Board on January 1, 2026.
Both Julia and Will bring a wealth of expertise, a passion for citizen science, and a deep-rooted love for the marine environment. Please join us in welcoming them to the REEF family!
Dr. Julia Parrish
Join us for the expedition of a lifetime. Explore Halmahera and northern Raja Ampat on the largest wooden liveaboard dive boat in Southeast Asia. Indonesia is the centre of the famous Coral Triangle and is a place every diver has on their bucket list. It is recognised for its extraordinary diversity of coral species, marine life, and the most extensive and richest reefs in the world. Every dive offers amazing new sights, from majestic manta rays and numerous species of sharks to endemic species and critters.
Marine ecosystems are increasingly threatened by overfishing, pollution, coastal development and climate change, underscoring the need for long-term, representative information on key fish populations and habitats to inform management and policy. Underwater fish observation techniques, such as Underwater Visual Census (UVC - which includes the REEF Volunteer Fish Survey Project), stereo-Baited Remote Underwater Video (stereo-BRUV), and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), all play a key role in sustaining long-term data collection.
Borneo is shared by Brunei, Malaysia, and Indonesia, is the third-largest island in the world and offers some of the best marine life encounters on Earth. Living up to Arenui’s motto of being “The Boutique Liveaboard”, attention has been given to every aspect of the Arenui to ensure that it fully embodies their philosophy of providing a unique dive experience. They aim to provide the best there is in terms of diving and leisure activities, without sacrificing any of the comforts and luxury you would expect to get from a 5-star hotel on land.