You may have seen via email or on social media that the REEF logo has a new look! We are so excited to share this new logo with the REEF community. The new logo represents REEF's unique role in conservation. The vibrant blue hues and sun rays streaming through the water inspire feelings of hope, and the fish symbolizes our shared love of ocean life and the transformative impact of citizen science.
This month, we welcomed Mead Krówka to the REEF team as Education Coordinator. Mead is based at the REEF Campus in Key Largo, Florida. As Education Coordinator, Mead will support and conduct REEF Ocean Explorers Programs, and coordinate community education programs such as workshops, seminars, and other outreach and tabling events.
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. This spring, we're headed to the stunning Caribbean island of St. Lucia for a week of fish surveys and fun! We'll stay at Anse Chastanet Resort and take in beautiful views of both the ocean and the mountains while enjoying daily dives with Scuba St. Lucia. The entire region is a protected marine area and excellent, easily accessible beach diving is available directly in front of the resort.
The Golden Hamlet Club is a highly dedicated group of surveyors who have conducted 1,000 or more REEF surveys as part of the Volunteer Fish Survey Project. We are filled with fishy delight to welcome Todd Cliff to the Golden Hamlet Club! Todd started surveying in 2002 in Washington state. He has conducted surveys in the Pacific Northwest and Hawaii regions, and has reached Expert Level status in both!
Our online programs are free and open to all! Check out what's coming up, and view the entire schedule of Fishinars and other online programs here.
Fishinar: Common Fishes of the Galapagos
Tuesday, February 20, 8pm EST
Click here to register.
The Galapagos Islands are known for their biodiversity, endemic species, and large pelagic fish. Join us to learn about some of the most commonly seen species there.
Our February Fish of the Month is the Hawaiian (Green) Lionfish, Dendrochirus barberi!
Survey Regions: Hawaiian Lionfish are endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, meaning this is the only place in the world they are found! Click here to view the REEF database report for this species in the HAW survey region.
Size: They grow to a maximum length of 6.5 inches.
Information for the 2025 Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Arts Festival will be posted soon!
REEF's 15th annual Florida Keys Lionfish Derby will culminate Sunday August 18, 2024 at the lionfish weigh-in and awards at the REEF campus.
Please contact lionfish@REEF.org with questions
Last month, we wrapped up the year-long celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Volunteer Fish Survey Project (VFSP). Since its launch in 1993, this citizen science program has generated one of the largest marine life databases in the world. Here are a few stats to recap a great year!
We are very excited to welcome two new staff to the REEF Team - Jill Kuehnert (right) as Campus Director and Dr. Kindra Bartz (left) as Operations Manager. Both are based at the REEF Campus in Key Largo, Florida.