Our annual REEF Fest celebration is coming up on October 17-20 in Key Largo, Florida. If you haven't registered yet, there's still time to plan to join us for free, educational ocean seminars, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, nature tours, and socials! You can see all the details and register online at www.REEF.org/REEFfest. This year we're excited to welcome the following speakers:
- Stephen Frink, Underwater Photographer and Publisher of Alert Diver Magazine, who will highlight the history and current outlook of reefs and marine life in the Florida Keys
- Natalia López Figueroa, Ph.D. Candidate, University of South Florida College of Marine Science, who will share her research on Upside-down Jellyfish as indicators of ecosystem health
- Kramer Wimberley, Founder, Diving with a Purpose-Collective Approach to Restoring our Ecosystems (DWP-CARES), who will discuss the importance of maritime shipwreck documentation while highlighting the work of DWP-CARES
- Rob Robertson, Ichthyology Collection Manager at the Florida Museum of Natural History, who will share how the Florida Museum Fish Collection helps improve our understanding of fish communities
- Dr. Alli Candelmo, REEF Director of Conservation Science, who will discuss two REEF projects that combine new imaging technology with citizen science to gather data for fisheries assessments
These free seminars will take place at Murray Nelson Government Center on Oct. 18 and 19. You can also join in a snorkel or dive charter, or book a kayak eco-tour during REEF Fest. Limited space is available, so be sure to book your space soon! You may also purchase your ticket to the For the Love of the Sea Celebration on Oct. 19. The event is hosted at a beautiful location overlooking Florida Bay, and includes dinner from one of South Florida's top caterers, an open bar, a silent auction. Discounted tickets are available for $95 per person. After Sept. 27, ticket prices increase to $105 per person, so don't wait to make your plans! We hope to see you next month at REEF Fest!