REEF members are at the heart of our grassroots marine conservation programs. Over 43,000 divers, snorkelers, students, and armchair naturalists stand behind our mission.

Lionfish - photo by Carol Cox

Join REEF staff Dr. Alli Candelmo for an update on current research findings of the invasive lionfish in the Tropical Western Atlantic. 

[Originally scheduled for Wednesday, December 4th, 2019, but rescheduled due to Presenter illness]

Our next Fishinar will be a special one! On Tuesday, June 16, at 8pm EDT, Alli Candelmo, Ph.D., REEF Conservation Science Manager, will be giving an update on current research findings for the invasive lionfish problem in the Tropical Western Atlantic waters. Click here to register for this Fishinar - you can tune in using a laptop, tablet, or even a smartphone.

We are encouraging Tropical Western Atlantic REEF surveyors to be on the lookout for a skin condition that is affecting reef fish in the Caribbean. Black Spot Syndrome (BSS) affects many reef fish but can easily be observed on Ocean Surgeonfish, especially when they are pale in color. The black spots are usually on the fins and skin of the affected fish. In many cases, Black Spot Syndrome is caused by a trematode parasite, Scaphanocephalus spp., which moves from marine snails to reef fish and ultimately into osprey, which consume the infected fish.

REEF is asking any interested REEF members to submit to us a Field Survey T-shirt design for our upcoming 2008 season. Those of you who have participated in the past on a REEF Field Survey know that you receive a t-shirt as part of your participation in the program and every year we have a different design. There are only a couple of guidelines for you. Our new REEF Shirt must incorporate our REEF flag with our slogan, Diving That Counts! (I will send interested parties the jpeg file upon request).

We are proud to announce our 2013 Volunteers of the Year, Carlos and Allison Estapé. Carlos and Allison joined REEF in 2008, and collectively, they have conducted 108 surveys. They call the Florida Keys home. As Tropical Western Atlantic REEF Advanced Assessment Team members, skilled lionfish hunters, expert underwater photographers, and PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors, this diving duo is instrumental to REEF’s fieldwork conducted in the Upper Florida Keys and they are avid REEF ambassadors.

REEF members are at the heart of our grassroots marine conservation programs. Over 50,000 divers, snorkelers, students, and armchair naturalists stand behind our mission.

Learn to ID common reef fishes of the Tropical Western Atlantic through virtual practice and how to become a citizen scientist for Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF). Fishes commonly seen in Sebastian Inlet will also be presented. 


Join us for some online fish-themed fun and learning during the month of May! Fishy Hours are online group games just for fun, while Fishinars are REEF's brand of online fish ID classes and learning sessions. All sessions are free and all are invited to attend.

Hang out with your fellow fish geeks as we play a Jeopardy-style game about fish found in the Tropical Western Atlantic region. Host Christy Semmens is good for a story or two and a fun running commentary.

IMPORTANT: Note the time zone and make sure you adjust it as needed for your location!

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