We are thrilled to welcome Chesley Davis to the REEF team as Director of Learning and Engagement. Based at the REEF Campus in Key Largo, FL, Chesley brings a passion for teaching climate and environmental science through hands-on learning experiences. In her role, Chesley oversees REEF Ocean Explorers education programs, helping to connect learners of all ages with marine science and conservation. She also supports community outreach and educational initiatives at the new Ocean Exploration Center.
Welcome to the Citizen Science Corner, our quarterly feature to celebrate those who recently reached a milestone in our Volunteer Fish Survey Project. Here are achievements from July, August and September 2025.
Golden Hamlet Award
Congratulations to Herb Gruenhagen for completing 1000 REEF surveys and thus joining the Golden Hamlet Club. Herb lives in San Diego, where he does most of his surveys in the Pacific ocean. See this article for more details about his path to Golden Hamlet.
Juvenile Hamlet Award
Join us for a FREE Fish ID class at the Trans World Radio (TWR) Bonaire Headquarters on Tuesday, September 30, starting at 7:00 PM AST!
As a continuation of last month’s class, expert REEF surveyors Carmen Toanchina and Dana Kowalsick will be diving deeper into the world of Blennies.
What to Expect:
• Learn to identify local species of Blennies in Bonaire
• Explore what it means to be a citizen scientist and contribute data to the Volunteer Fish Survey Project
• Gather with fellow ocean lovers. All are welcome!
KEY LARGO, FLA. – Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) invites all to join a vibrant weekend of ocean conservation, citizen science, and community engagement at REEF Fest, taking place on October 16–19, 2025, in Key Largo, Florida.
Join us for REEF Fest! October 16-19, 2025 in Key Largo, Florida
REEF Fest 2025 registration is now open! We hope you will join us for the 10th anniversary of this event, which includes ocean seminars, socials, and opportunities to explore the Florida Keys. Divers, snorkelers, and ocean lovers attend REEF Fest to celebrate their love of marine life and learn about the latest in conservation. To learn more and see the full schedule, visit www.REEF.org/REEFfest.
Join REEF and our friends at Paddle the Florida Keys for the last Locals Paddle of the 2025 season!
All paddle equitment is included.
REEF Fest is returning to Key Largo this October 16-19, 2025, and one of the most anticipated parts of the weekend is the free seminar series, now hosted in the brand-new REEF Ocean Exploration Center. These engaging talks feature marine scientists, conservationists, and underwater explorers who will share more about their work and storytelling. This year’s presentations take place on Friday, Oct. 17 and Saturday, Oct. 18. All seminars are free and open to the public, and will be live-streamed and recorded for later viewing.
Join REEF’s upcoming Field Survey Trip to Jardines de la Reina (Gardens of the Queen), Cuba, on June 27-July 4, 2026! This protected marine park is one of the Caribbean’s most pristine ecosystems, where divers regularly encounter large snapper, grouper, and sharks among vibrant, healthy coral reefs. Surveyors will also have the rare opportunity to spot the dazzling Golden Fairy Basslet while contributing valuable data to REEF’s marine conservation efforts.