This page contains links to resources for REEF Field Stations. If there is something that you would like to see on this page that isn't, please let us know.
Field Stations are satellite REEF resource centers for the Volunteer Fish Survey Project, a citizen-science program that enables divers and snorkelers the opportunity to learn more about marine ecosystems and collect meaningful information on marine life populations during their dives. Divers conduct Roving Diver Technique surveys anytime and anywhere that they are are in the water within the REEF Project Regions.
Instructor-Led Introductory Courses
REEF offers 9 fish and 4 invertebrate identification modules covering the following geographic regions:
1. Caribbean/Florida (fish only)
2. Northeast (fish and invertebrates)
3. California (fish and invertebrates)
4. Pacific Northwest (fish and invertebrates)
5. Tropical Eastern Pacific (fish only)
6. Hawaii (fish only)
7. South Atlantic States (NC, SC, GA) (fish and invertebrates)
8. South Pacific (fish only)
9. Samoan Archipelago (fish only)
These instructor-led courses include a thumb drive with images, an easy-to-use teaching curriculum (either in a binder or paperless), and a sample Starter Kit of survey materials (slate, survey paper, e.g.). Students taught by PADI instructors can apply for a Fish Identification Specialty. For more information, and to purchase any of these modules, please visit our REEF online store.
Beginning Reef Fish Identification Home-Study Course for the Caribbean & Florida
This course offers an easy way to introduce your customers to the diversity of fishes found in the Caribbean and Florida. After purchasing the course, your customers will be able to review the course in the comfort of their own home (or in your classroom). They will then have the option of completing an Identification Exam and two REEF surveys in order to become official REEF Level 2 Surveyors. This product is available for wholesale purchase through New World Publications.
If you are a Field Station that offers the Home-Study Course, please visit our Home-Study Resources page to access the testing and certification forms.
How to Advertise REEF Training and Survey Events
REEF encourages Field Stations to schedule regular REEF training classes, survey dives and other activities that support REEF survey volunteers. Please include these events on the REEF Events Calendar by logging into REEF.org as a registered Field Station, clicking on 'My Account' and adding an event. Please title the event starting with the region, what it is, and the general location (ie. TWA Fish ID Class, Key Largo FL)
REEF Experience Levels
REEF classifies volunteer surveyors into 5 levels based on standardized testing and number of surveys submitted. Experience Levels are region-specific. To find out more, visit the REEF Experience Levels Page.
REEF Survey Method
Check out these short videos that explain the REEF survey method:
Volunteer Fish Survey Project video
Quick Start REEF Volunteer Fish Survey Project video