Ever struggled with trying to decide which habitat to mark on your survey? You are not alone. It can sometimes be a tricky decision. Did you know that with all survey regions combined there are a total of 29 habitat options? Don’t worry, you don’t need to know all of them, but, if you happen to survey in a certain region, you may not know about other habitat types.
In the first 6 months of 2026, 4,937 surveys have been submitted by 446 REEF volunteer surveyors! Not only are these efforts adding to the world’s most comprehensive marine fish biodiversity database, but they also support important conservation and research objectives.
So far this year, we’ve received several exciting new data requests from researchers using REEF data for important studies, including:
Join the Scuba Shop SXM in Sint Maarten for a fun, interactive REEF Fish ID Bingo! Then, put your knowledge to the test and participate in the Great Annual Fish Count by doing REEF surveys on any dive throughout the month of July.
Fish ID Bingo Details:
- Thursday, July 2, 6:30pm AST
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The Scuba Shop, #16 Airport Rd, Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten
This Great Annual Fish Count, join REEF and Island Ventures for a FREE fish ID class, followed by a fish survey dive/snorkel as part of the REEF Volunteer Fish Survey Project.
The educator will join the participants on the boat to provide marine life expertise, distribute survey supplies, and answer questions!
The fish ID class will take place at the REEF Ocean Exploration Center at 10am, break for lunch at 11am (on your own), and check-in for the dive/snorkel at Island Ventures at 12:30pm.
This Great Annual Fish Count, join Pura Vida Divers for a FREE Fish ID Class, followed by a fish survey dive as part of the REEF Volunteer Fish Survey Project.
Fish ID Class: 8:30am at Pura Vida Divers; 2513 Beach Ct Riviera Beach FL 33404
Survey Dives: Check in at Pura Vida Divers at 12:30pm for boat dives (no snorkel option)
Pura Vida Divers is hosting multiple events throughout July:
This Great Annual Fish Count, join Pura Vida Divers for a FREE Fish ID Class, followed by a fish survey dive as part of the REEF Volunteer Fish Survey Project.
Fish ID Class: 8:30am at Pura Vida Divers; 2513 Beach Ct Riviera Beach FL 33404
Survey Dives: Check in at Pura Vida Divers at 12:30pm for boat dives (no snorkel option)
Pura Vida Divers is hosting multiple events throughout July:
This Great Annual Fish Count, join Pura Vida Divers for a FREE Fish ID Class, followed by a fish survey dive as part of the REEF Volunteer Fish Survey Project.
Fish ID Class: 8:30am at Pura Vida Divers; 2513 Beach Ct Riviera Beach FL 33404
Survey Dives: Check in at Pura Vida Divers at 12:30pm for boat dives (no snorkel options)
Pura Vida Divers is hosting multiple events throughout July:
Claude Corps Fellows Will Support REEF’s Conservation Research and Citizen Science Initiatives
Join the New England Aquarium Dive Club for the 23rd Northeast Great Annual Fish Count, one of the largest fish survey events in North America! Survey fish to win outstanding door prizes and help collect important data for marine conservation research. Following the dives, gather for a celebration where there will be a picnic, group photo, and door prize drawing!
Survey Dive:
- There are multiple dive locations
- Pre-registration is required!
Post-dive celebration and raffle: