This summer, we had the privilege of partnering with several incredible adaptive dive organizations, including Barrier Free Divers, Camp Open Seas, Adapt‑Able Dive Foundation, and Diveheart, to make ocean education more inclusive and accessible. Thanks to support from our Oceans for All initiative, students from these organizations took part in immersive marine science programs that brought learning to life, both in and out of the water.

Hands-on marine science in action! Students from Benjamin School recently joined REEF for an Ocean Explorers Expedition packed with curiosity, discovery, and saltwater adventure.

The day began at the REEF Ocean Exploration Center, where students learned the fundamentals of REEF Fish ID surveys and practiced identifying common Caribbean reef species. The Ocean Exploration Center is uniquely suited to host school groups — combining interactive exhibits, classroom-style instruction, and nearby access to the coral reef through one of our partners.

It is hard to believe that I am already more than half way through my Marine Conservation Internship. The past two months have been full of exciting events that have really inspired me to continue on in the world of marine conservation and biology. After settling into the REEF office for just a few days, the REEF staff had me out and about, getting involved with the community.

Dear Valued REEF Members,

Once again, REEF participated in the dive industry show, DEMA. We showed off all of the cool REEF gear, including our new lionfish t-shirts, which were a hit, as well as all of the REEF survey essentials. We also spoke with many dive instructors who were looking for new types of classes to teach. The REEF Fish ID curricula certainly fit the bill. A lot of networking was done and new friends made. And lots of people signed up for a free REEF membership.

West Coast Dive Shows - Visit REEF next month at SCUBA 2010 show in Long Beach (CA) on May 15-16 and the Dive & Travel Expo in Tacoma (WA) on May 22-23. REEF staff and volunteers will be there to tell you about our latest activities, have REEF gear and supplies for sale, and sign up new members.

REEF is proud to partner with over 130 dive shops, dive clubs, individuals, and other organizations as REEF Field Stations.

Visit REEF at booth #910--Say hello to fellow members and catch up on the latest REEF happenings!  Don't miss Lad Akins, Director of Special Projects, Lionfish presentation Saturday at 10:30. 

REEF will have a booth set up at the entrance of Zoo Miami's Python Challenge Awards Event talking about the lionfish invasion.  The event is from 10am-4pm.

In the summer of 1993, the first REEF fish surveys were conducted by a group of pioneering volunteers. Twenty years later, REEF's Volunteer Survey Project and other REEF initiatives are leading the way as innovative and effective marine conservation programs. To celebrate, we will be hosting 4 days of diving, learning, and parties this August in Key Largo, Florida, and we hope you will join us! REEF Fest - Celebrating 20 Years of Marine Conservation Success will take place August 7-11, 2013.

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