REEF Environmental Education Foundation: Championing Marine Conservation Through Education and Citizen Science

The REEF Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) stands as a beacon of hope for marine conservation, actively engaging local communities and enthusiasts in safeguarding our planet's oceans. Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Key Largo, Florida, REEF operates as an international non-profit organization with a dedicated mission: to protect biodiversity and ocean life by actively engaging and inspiring the public through citizen science, education, and partnerships with the scientific community.

The REEF Campus: A Hub for Ocean Conservation

The REEF Campus in Key Largo serves as the central hub for REEF's global ocean conservation programs. It is a vibrant center for citizen science and marine education. Located at MM 98.3 along the Overseas Highway, the Campus offers interactive exhibits, educational programs, and hands-on marine conservation opportunities for visitors of all ages. It inspires people to explore the underwater world and make a difference.

Ocean Exploration Center

Opened in June 2025, the Ocean Exploration Center embodies REEF's commitment to connecting people to oceans. This 4,000-square-foot facility features immersive exhibits, a science classroom, marine-themed games and activities, art displays, a public presentation area, meeting spaces, and a gift shop. Central to REEF’s ‘Oceans for All’ values, the Center is free and open to the public, making it a unique visitor attraction in the area. Visitors are empowered as citizen scientists, gaining knowledge, tools, and resources to become guardians of the blue planet. The Ocean of Support, a public art display on the exterior of the REEF Ocean Exploration Center, recognizes the community and supporters who helped make the Center a reality.

Campus Administration

The Campus Administration building, formerly known as REEF Headquarters, houses offices for staff, interns, and volunteers. The building features self-guided interpretive exhibits on topics such as invasive species, endangered species, marine biodiversity, Florida Keys marine habitats, long-spined sea urchins, climate change, and marine fishes around the world. This classic conch-style house, built in 1913, holds the distinction of being the oldest building in the upper Florida Keys still in its original location.

Reefscape Room

Opened in 2017, the Reefscape Room provides visitors with an educational underwater experience without getting wet. A floor-to-ceiling mural showcases various marine ecosystems found in the Florida Keys, including seagrass, mangrove habitats, coral reefs, and artificial reefs. Many of REEF's public outreach programs are held here. The Reefscape Room can also be reserved for educational presentations or programs for schools, groups, clubs, or families. Visitors can also take self-guided tours during business hours. Paving the way from the Reefscape Room to the Administrative Building is the Pathway to Ocean Conservation.

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Native Plants & Heritage Trail

Nestled between the Ocean Exploration Center and Campus Administration, the Native Plants & Heritage Trail offers a tranquil outdoor oasis paired with an enriching educational experience. Winding through the lush hardwood hammock, this scenic trail provides opportunities for informal learning, recreation, and reflection. The trail serves as a vital link to the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail. A small pond and butterfly garden showcase a Florida Keys mangrove habitat, complete with mosquito fish to maintain ecological balance. Interpretive signs along the trail highlight diverse flora and fauna, as well as the cultural and historical significance of the Florida Keys. The trail offers a self-guided experience, allowing guests to explore at their own pace while gaining insight into the native plants, wildlife, and conservation efforts that define this unique ecosystem. The trail also features a well-equipped picnic area with tables, seating, a bike rack, a drinking fountain, and a Little Free Library. Adventure seekers can discover a Geocache hidden along the route, and an announcement kiosk provides information on upcoming REEF events.

Ocean Unity and The Giving REEF

The Ocean Unity display, installed in the garden at the REEF Campus in honor of REEF’s 30th anniversary in 2020, shows how small actions can add up to make a big difference. Throughout the summer of 2020, REEF members who donated $500 or more were honored with a personalized Ocean Unity plaque. The Giving REEF is a hand-painted fish display at the REEF Campus designed to celebrate generous donors. Updated each fall, the display includes colorful, one-of-a-kind wooden fish, each with a personalized plaque recognizing donors who give $500 or more in a given year.

REEF's Core Programs: Driving Marine Conservation

REEF achieves its mission through four primary programs, each designed to address critical aspects of marine conservation:

Volunteer Fish Survey Project

Divers and snorkelers are uniquely positioned to observe and document marine life. This citizen science initiative empowers them to contribute valuable data on fish populations and distributions. The Volunteer Fish Survey Project (citizen science fish monitoring) provides a platform for divers and marine enthusiasts to actively participate in marine conservation. Divers and snorkelers play an important role in bringing information to the surface that adds to the knowledge base of ocean ecosystems and facilitates informed decision-making. Surveying members can track their personal survey data and generate a life list of fish sightings. Membership in REEF is free, and surveys can be conducted independently or as part of organized REEF Field Surveys. These week-long trips offer expert guidance, fish identification presentations, and informative discussions.

Invasive Species Program

This program focuses on addressing the threat posed by invasive species, particularly the lionfish, to marine ecosystems. The Invasive Species Program (invasive lionfish removals, detection, and removal of other potential invaders) actively works to mitigate the impacts of these invaders through education, outreach, and hands-on removal efforts.

REEF is taking action on invasive lionfish through education, outreach, and hands-on experiences, including:

Lionfish Collecting & Handling Workshops: Teaching safe collecting and handling techniques for invasive lionfish, these workshops cover the invasion's biology, ecology, and research, and include a dive charter to practice collecting.
Lionfish Jewelry Workshops: Participants create unique jewelry from lionfish fins and spines, promoting lionfish removal.
Eat 'Em to Beat 'Em: Encouraging the consumption of lionfish as a means of control.
Lionfish Dissections for Schools: REEF Ocean Explorers programs host lionfish dissections where students explore lionfish anatomy and examine stomach contents to learn what this invasive predator is eating.

REEF’s 17th Annual Florida Keys Lionfish Derby returns this year on April 23-26, 2026 at the REEF Ocean Exploration Center in Key Largo. After two full days of lionfish removal, teams will bring their catch to the Sunday weigh-in and awards, held during the Lionfish Derby & Arts Festival! This free, family-friendly event features interactive exhibits, local artists, environmental organizations, lionfish fillet and dissection demos, tastings, music, and more.

Grouper Moon Project

The Grouper Moon Project (endangered species spawning aggregation research) focuses on studying and protecting endangered species spawning aggregations, which are critical for the reproductive success of many marine species.

Explorers Education Program

The Explorers Education Program (formal and informal education with various age groups) aims to educate and inspire the next generation of marine conservationists through formal and informal educational programs for various age groups.

Engaging the Community: Membership and Events

REEF welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, divers and non-divers alike, to become members and contribute to marine conservation efforts. Membership is free and provides opportunities to participate in surveys, track personal data, and join organized field surveys.

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REEF also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Arts Festival. These events provide opportunities for community engagement, education, and hands-on conservation activities.

Recognition and Partnerships

REEF's commitment to its mission has been recognized by Great Nonprofits and GuideStar. The organization collaborates with government agencies, science and academic institutions, the non-profit sector, and local communities to achieve its conservation goals.

Welcoming New Leadership

REEF recently welcomed Julia Parrish, Ph.D., a Professor of Ocean Fishery Sciences at the University of Washington and the founder of COASST (Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team), and Will Ribbens, a longtime diver and dedicated REEF ambassador, to its Board of Trustees. Their expertise, passion, and leadership will help advance REEF’s mission.

Spotlighting Marine Life

REEF also highlights various marine species, such as the Snubnose Sculpin (Orthonopias triacis), a master of camouflage found in the California survey region.

Hosting Events at REEF

The Ocean Exploration Center at REEF offers multiple room options for events ranging from intimate meetings to receptions.

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