What is REEF?

The Reef Environmental and Educational Fund -- REEF -- is a U.S. nonprofit dedicated to marine conservation through citizen science and education. It coordinates volunteer programs that engage divers and snorkelers in collecting biodiversity data on fish and other marine life. The goal is to support research, management, and conservation of reef ecosystems by generating extensive survey records from coastal regions around the globe.

On REEF's Volunteer Fish Survey projects and Field Survey Trips, participants conduct standardized fish surveys while diving or snorkeling. During a dive, volunteers identify species they encounter and tally their numbers or relative abundance using predefined categories -- typically record cards or underwater slate forms developed by REEF. Trips usually include fish identification classes and seminars led by experienced surveyors, making them suitable for both beginners and seasoned divers.

After divers complete surveys, the handwritten data is submitted to REEF, where the forms are scanned and processed. Software extracts details and calculates key metrics like sighting frequency and density indices, which reflect how often species are seen and their relative numbers at a location. These data are compiled into summary reports and stored in REEF's accessible database. Researchers, government agencies, educators, and conservation planners use these results to monitor trends in fish populations, compare biodiversity across regions, and inform marine management decisions.

REEF's 2026 Field Survey trips include the Cayman Brac Field Survey Trip (April 4-11 2026) with packages around $2,295 per diver (double occupancy) with meals, dives, and transfers included, and a REEF program fee of about $350. Other scheduled 2026 trips (pricing is posted on REEF's website) include Fiji, Misool (Indonesia), St. Eustatius, Cuba, Tubbataha/Visayas in the Philippines, Bonaire, Tobago, Sea of Cortez, Northern Sulawesi, Raja Ampat, Andros (Bahamas), and Cozumel.

Get more information at www.reef.org