The charming island of Nevis is known for its quiet villages, lush green mountains, and tranquil beaches. Nevis is separated from its sister island, St. Kitts, by a two-mile stretch of water known as the Narrows, home to interesting marine life like barracudas, eagle rays, and other fish. The leeward and windward sides of the island have plenty of variety including reefs, wrecks, and volcanic vents to explore. The picturesque topside scenery of this quaint Caribbean island makes this the ideal destination for both divers and non-divers to enjoy.
Dive into citizen science this summer by joining in the Great Annual Fish Count (GAFC)! Every July, divers and snorkelers are invited to participate in this initiative to learn about marine life and conduct REEF surveys as part of the Volunteer Fish Survey Project. Individuals and groups can organize their own GAFC events, from survey dives to fish ID classes. Some even add to the fun by offering prizes, hosting socials, and more!
In October 2022, a group of REEF surveyors found and photographed the rare, endemic Fork-bar Blenny, Starksia y-lineata, during a REEF Field Survey Trip to Grand Cayman. Trip leader and REEF Education Manager Madalyn "Moose" Mussey initially found the fish while diving at Sunset House. She also captured the first live photograph of the species, pictured above.
Join the New England Aquarium Dive Club for the 21st Northeast Great Annual Fish Count, the largest fish survey event in North America!
Survey fish to win outstanding prizes and help collect important data for marine conservation research. Following the dives, gather for a celebration where there will be a picnic, group photo, and raffle.
There are multiple dive locations. Pre-registration is required.
Post-dive celebration: Stage Fort Park, Gloucester, MA, 11:00am - 4pm. $8 donation for lunch.
For this Great Annual Fish Count event, gather at the beautiful John D. MacArthur Beach State Park for a REEF fish survey dive or snorkel! After the survey, feel free to stick around for a light lunch provided by the park!
Morning check-in for the survey dive/snorkel is at 8:00am - 8:15am at the outdoor ampitheater located inside the park.
Please bring your own dive/snorkel gear and survey supplies.
This week, hundreds of ocean lovers from all over the world are getting active in support of marine conservation by participating in the fifth annual REEF Fish Out of Water Virtual 5K. The 5K kicked off on World Ocean Day on June 8, and continues through June 15. Participants can choose their favorite exercise - walking, running, hiking, biking, swimming, or even paddling. If you haven't registered, it's not too late to join in! You can complete your 5K at your own pace this week, and participate from anywhere in the world.
As summer approaches, we are gearing up to host two of our biggest annual conservation events later this year. We hope you can join us in the Florida Keys for one or both of these events. Whether you're a diver, snorkeler, or land-based ocean lover, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Spring has been a rewarding and productive season for the REEF Campus-based Ocean Explorers Education team! From traveling to the Florida panhandle to lend a hand with measuring fish at the world's largest lionfish derby, to attending a conservation-based music festival on the beach in south Florida, we have been spreading the word about REEF’s programs far and wide. Here are some recent education and outreach highlights.
REEF Field Survey Trips are eco-vacations led by marine life experts. Each trip features daily dives and fish ID classes for both beginners and experienced surveyors. Escape the winter and join us next February for a Field Survey Trip to Belize! Located on Ambergris Caye, SunBreeze Hotel is surrounded by lush tropical gardens and breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. The hotel faces the famous Belize Barrier Reef, which has three of Western Hemisphere’s four coral atolls and the second-largest continuous coral reef in the world.