Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) is an international marine conservation organization that implements hands-on programs to involve local communities in conservation-focused activities. REEF was founded in 1990 and is based in Key Largo, Florida, with additional staff in Illinois, California, Washington, Colorado, New Jersey, and North Carolina. Its mission is to protect biodiversity and ocean life by actively engaging and inspiring the public through citizen science, education, and partnerships with the scientific community.
REEF's work focuses on four main projects: the Volunteer Fish Survey Project, the Grouper Moon Project, the Invasive Species Program, and the Ocean Explorers Education Program. Visit the program pages in the menu above for more information on each.
Where does REEF work?
REEF's marine conservation and citizen science programs currently operate in the coastal areas of North and Central America, the Caribbean, Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean, Hawaii, the South and Indo-west Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Red Sea.
How do I get involved?
Become a member! REEF members include divers and non-divers alike, all with an interest in the marine environment. As a REEF member you will receive our monthly e-News, Making it Count, a REEF member number, and access to member-only content on the REEF website such as archived Fishinars. If you do become a surveying member, you can use your member number to track your personal survey data and generate you life list of fish sightings. And the best part is, membership in REEF is FREE! Click here to become a REEF member.
How do I get started in REEF surveying?
You can start doing REEF surveys right away. Just visit our online store to get free scanforms and information about survey materials. Surveys can be conducted on your own or as part of an organized REEF Field Survey. These one-week trips are a great way to get started in fishwatching. Between survey dives, enjoy fish identification presentations by expert fishwatchers, learn the most successful surveying strategies, participate in informative discussions, and get plenty of exciting fish behavior tips. You will be amazed how much you learn and how enjoyable diving will be with your expanded knowledge of marine wildlife. Experienced members can also participate in special Survey Trips as part of REEF's Advanced Assessment Team.
Annual Reports
To view a summary of REEF's efforts, visit this page.
Reviews and Governance
REEF’s focus is to develop strong programming to engage and inspire the public through citizen science, education, and partnering with the scientific community to achieve a healthier ocean. This commitment to our mission has been recognized by Great Nonprofits and GuideStar. Check out our profile and reviews by clicking the icons below. For more information and annual financials, visit the Financials and Transparency page.
