Supporting Marine Conservation Through Citizen Science

Divers and snorkelers can be the eyes of scientists—help us collect essential fisheries data!

TAKE THE SMILE SURVEY

Read the Alert Diver Article

About the SMILE Project

Citizen science programs like REEF's Volunteer Fish Survey Project (VFSP) and the SMILE project empower the public to generate vital monitoring data and actively participate in resource management. Divers and snorkelers play a unique role by reporting marine ecosystem findings, becoming the eyes of scientists beneath the surface.

The SMILE project leverages affordable, easy-to-use FishSense Lite camera technology developed by engineers at the University of California San Diego's Engineers for Exploration program and Semmens Lab at Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

A stakeholder panel provides guidance on survey methods, species of interest, and image collection locations. All video, images, and fish abundance and length data will be publicly available to support current research, fisheries management, and future machine learning advancements.

Field Testing & Project Goals

We are field testing the camera system and survey methodology in the Florida Keys, during REEF Field Survey Trips, and the Grouper Moon Project. Economically important species such as groupers, snappers, hogfish, and ecologically vital parrotfish are being measured.

Supported by NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program, this collaboration among REEF, SAFMC's Citizen Science Program, SECOORA, Scripps Oceanography, UCSD, and Axiom Data Science will introduce new data into fisheries stock assessments and strengthen communication with the dive community about conservation.

How Can You Help?

Take Our Survey – No Experience Required!

Your feedback is critical to shaping the SMILE project. The survey takes less than 15 minutes and helps us better understand divers' interests, fish ID skills, and what motivates (or prevents) participation in marine science.

Complete the survey and you'll be entered into a raffle to win a REEF shirt of your choice!

DIVE INTO THE SURVEY NOW

Join Us on Research Dives in 2025

Help field test the cameras and protocols during SMILE dives in the Florida Keys—FREE for qualified participants thanks to grant support. Advanced Open Water divers with at least 50 dives are welcome to join.

Upcoming Dives

SMILE cameras will also be available during REEF's 2025 Field Trips.

For more information, email smile@reef.org.

Contribute to AI Training

Help advance marine conservation from the comfort of your home! Volunteers are needed to assist with AI training for species recognition.

SIGN UP HERE

Project Partners & Support

The SMILE project is funded by NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program, Award #FNA22NMF4410182, with additional support from:

We also thank Backscatter Underwater Video and Photo for supporting camera equipment.

Additional Resources

Learn more about information collection authorization at NOAA's Citizen Science & Crowdsourcing Information Collection page.

Interested in Supporting the SMILE Project?

Contact smile@reef.org to get involved or provide additional support.