The Volunteer Fish Survey Project is REEF’s cornerstone citizen science program, and was the foundation of the organization’s inception. The goal of the program is to enlist divers and snorkelers to report fishes they see during their time in the water; documenting status and trends much in the way birdwatchers do for birds. The first REEF surveys were conducted in 1993 by a few dozen volunteers in the waters off Key Largo, Florida. The program has grown significantly, with more than 16,000 volunteers participating and 230,000 REEF surveys conducted at sites around the world.
We’re excited to introduce our Summer 2019 Marine Conservation Interns. These individuals will support the REEF team in mission-oriented tasks and daily office operations at REEF Headquarters, as well as play an integral role in our Lionfish Derby Series, Ocean Explorers Summer Camp, and other education and outreach events taking place this summer. They will also have opportunities to scuba dive, conduct fish surveys, and volunteer with environmental organizations in South Florida and the Florida Keys. This semester’s interns bring a unique set of skills and interests to REEF.
REEF Fishinars are fun, live, interactive webinars, open to anyone who wants to learn about ocean life. Our next Fishinar, Gobies and Blennies of the Sea of Cortez, is coming up on Wednesday, June 19 at 8pm EST. This session is perfect for surveyors heading to the Sea of Cortez on the upcoming REEF Field Survey Trip, as well as anyone who wants to learn more about the smaller species found in Baja California!
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.
Survey Dive and Underwater Cleanup
Event is free, and tanks and weights are included.
Rental equipment is available if needed.
Oceans Unlimited, Marina Pez Vela, Quepos, Costa Rica
- RSVP: Georgia King: Marine Conservation Costa Rica
- +506-87293996
- info@marineconservationcostarica.org
This article summarizes some of the ways to become involved in REEF's marine conservation programs while highlighting how REEF makes an impact.
Last summer, we launched a brand-new version of the REEF website! There are many improved features on this new interface that we'd like to share with you. This month, we'll show you how to find a geographic zone code for a dive or snorkel site you’ve surveyed or are going to survey.
Step 1: Go to the Programs Tab on www.REEF.org and select Geographic Zone Codes & Maps
Step 2: Select the region you want on the list
Step 3: Locate on the map the area you want, and hover your mouse over it.
The St Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park has organized a fish surveying event as part of the Great Annual Fish Count.
Although the Volunteer Fish Survey Project operates worldwide, REEF Headquarters is based in Key Largo, Florida, and we organize plenty of public programs and events that are held at our Interpretive Center. Earlier this year, we launched Citizen Science Saturday, a new monthly program created to engage Florida Keys residents and visitors in diverse, hands-on citizen science projects while providing a way for the public to connect with nature. Each Citizen Science Saturday event starts with a presentation from a guest speaker.