The Faces of REEF: David Thompson and Luanne Betz

REEF members are at the heart of our grassroots marine conservation programs. Over 50,000 divers, snorkelers, students, and armchair naturalists stand behind our mission.

This month we highlight one of our many REEF couples - David Thompson and Luanne Betz, members since 2011. David and Luanne have collectively conducted 250 surveys and are active surveyors in several REEF regions. Both have achieved Level 5 Expert status in the TWA and Level 3 status in the CIP. Here's what they had to say about REEF:

2024 Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Festival

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
Three people in front of trees, holding a dive flag with the words "REEF" written on it in yellow.

The Faces of REEF: Meet our Marine Conservation Fellows

REEF members are the heart of our grassroots marine conservation programs. A diverse community of divers, snorkelers, and ocean enthusiasts support our mission to conserve marine environments worldwide.

REEF Partners with Caradonna Dive Adventures and Previews 2009 Field Survey Season

REEF is happy to announce our new partnership with Caradonna Dive Adventures as our travel provider, beginning with our 2009 Field Survey Season.  As many of you already know, Caradonna brings years of dive travel acumen and great vendor partnerships, both of which will undoubtedly assist REEF in making our Field Survey Program once again our signature Citizen Science program.  

Chili Charters & Safari Inn or Casa Mexicana

Two Exotic Fish Species Removed from South Florida Waters

In April 2018, two non-native marine fish species were live-captured from South Florida waters, including an Orangespine Unicornfish (Naso lituratus) in Key Largo and a Lagoon Triggerfish (Rhinecanthus aculeatus) in Fort Lauderdale. Both fishes, native to a wide range in the tropical west Pacific, were collected separately through a collaborative effort between REEF, Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, and the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

Chili Charters and Safari Inn or Casa Mexicana

Join REEF's annual trip to Cozumel for a wonderful week of camaraderie, diving and citizen science! Enjoy the fabulous diving in crystal clear waters that have been protected as a marine park for nearly 20 years. Many great fish finds await, including the endemic Splendid Toadfish, found only in this area. When not diving, you will enjoy all the wonderful food and culture that Mexico has to offer, as well as daily seminars by Cozumel local and long-time REEF Expert, Tracey Griffin. Reserve your spot today - this popular trip always sells out early.

REEF's 2020 Key Largo "Winter" Lionfish Derby

Unfortunately, REEF’s Winter Lionfish Derby Event at Sharkey’s Pub and Galley for April 4, 2020 has been cancelled. We have exhausted the options of hosting a remote competition where teams can just drop off their fish, but at this time we are going adhere to the recommendations worldwide and encourage social distancing.

We will try to reschedule the Lionfish Derby competition in some capacity if possible in the upcoming months.

REEF Fest 2019 - Diving, Snorkeling, Marine Life Seminars, Parties and More!

Have you marked your calendar for REEF Fest? REEF Fest 2019 sponsored by Capital Bank Foundation is coming up on Oct. 17-20 in Key Largo, Florida! This annual four-day celebration includes educational ocean-themed seminars, social gatherings, diving, and eco-adventures alongside some of the most prestigious names in diving and marine conservation. All REEF Fest events are open to the public, but pre-registration is requested.

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