REEF Fest is happening on October 19-22, 2023 in Key Largo, Florida, and you're invited to join us! This annual celebration of marine conservation includes ocean seminars, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, socials and more. Registration is open now, and you can see all the details and sign up here. We are excited to welcome some amazing guest speakers at REEF Fest this year, including:
- Dr. John Claydon, Executive Director, Integrated Marine Biosphere Research, who will discuss seafood mislabeling and the impact this has on grouper conservation.
- Alex Troutman, NOAA Knauss Fellow with the Fish and Aquatic Conservation Program, who will share stories of his work in the field, while highlighting the importance of providing accessible ocean experiences and connections for historically-excluded and marginalized communities.
- Martin Russell, Manager, Coral Sea Marine Park, Australia, who will talk about management, research, and protections for the the pristine reefs and islands of Australia's Coral Sea Marine Park.
- Jason Belport, Underwater Photographer, who will share a firsthand account of the challenges and hopes for the marine ecosystems of the Cayman Islands, as well as a photographic journey from dive travels around the world.
- Christy Semmens, Ph.D., REEF Co-Executive Director: Science and Engagement, and Brice Semmens, Ph.D., Professor, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, who will celebrate of three decades of the Volunteer Fish Survey Project, and share updates on REEF's conservation science work.
Read more about our seminar speakers and check out their talk summaries here. We hope you can join us for what is sure to be a fun-filled weekend of learning and exploring in the Florida Keys!