This month, REEF is proud to highlight one of our outstanding Conservation Partners: Key Dives in Islamorada, FL. REEF Conservation Partners are active organizations and dive shops dedicated to protecting marine environments. As valued REEF ambassadors, they teach fish ID classes, host survey dives, organize volunteer events and more. Read on to find out how you can get involved with these centers of conservation action!

With more than 80 partners across the country and beyond, there are plenty of opportunities to engage! You can see the full listing of Conservation Partners or register your business or organization as a REEF Conservation Partner here: www.REEF.org/conservation-partners.

Key Dives – Islamorada, FL

Key Dives is a full-service dive facility located just 20 miles away from REEF Headquarters in the Florida Keys. Key Dives hosts REEF-sponsored lionfish workshops, regularly removes lionfish on dive trips, donates a portion of all dive revenue to REEF, and generously supports the REEF Marine Conservation Internship program. In addition to being an exceptional REEF supporter, Key Dives is also a NOAA Blue Star recognized charter, which means they are dedicated to education and habitat conservation in the Florida Keys. We encourage all of you to check them out and join in the fun as they work to conserve marine environments in the Florida Keys!

Conservation Actions – How can you get involved?

• Go on a dive or snorkel! 2% of all dive revenue gets donated to REEF, Mote Marine Laboratory, and Coral Restoration Foundation. Even if you just hop on the boat for a fun dive or snorkel, you are helping to support REEF and other marine conservation non-profits.

• Remove invasive lionfish! Key Dives staff and customers remove lionfish whenever possible, and you can take part in this as well. Key Dives also partners with REEF to host Lionfish Collection and Handling Workshops to educate local divers and snorkelers about the lionfish invasion in the Tropical Western Atlantic.

• If you are a college student or recent graduate, apply for REEF's Marine Conservation Internship and advance your scuba certifications with Key Dives! Key Dives supports the REEF Marine Conservation Internship program by providing dive instruction and dive charters for free or greatly reduced costs for REEF interns.

• Complete REEF surveys! If you complete the PADI Project Aware Fish ID Specialty with Key Dives, you will work with your instructor to learn basic fish identification, and complete a REEF survey on your dive.

Why is conserving marine environments important to Key Dives?

"There are so many reasons. Above all, I feel it is my responsibility because of the wonderful life the oceans have given me." – Mike Goldberg, Owner

For more information, visit Key Dive’s website, check them out on Facebook, send an email to info@keydives.com, or call 305-664-2211.