Supporting Marine Conservation Through Citizen Science

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


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?

Request use of SMILE cameras on REEF Field Trips and during REEF Fest

SMILE cameras will be available during a selection of REEF's 2025 and 2026 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

Learn More about SMILE

Watch the SMILE Training Webinar for those interested in participating on the project

Watch the REEF Fish n Friends presented by Dr. Jen Loch

Watch the SECOORA Seminar presented by Dr. Jen Loch for the Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association seminar series 

Watch the SMILE Fishinar to learn the target fish species

Read the SMILE SOP for SMILE methods and Data Download

Explore the SMILE Project Data Portal

SMILE Project Data Portal
Map with SMILE and VFSP Data Layers

SMILE Length Data Map Layer

VFSP Data Map Layer
 

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.