With 15,000 tube feet and up to 24 arms, the world's largest and fastest sea star species, the Sunflower Sea Star, Pycnopodia helianthoides, is found from Baja Mexico to Alaska. Over the last seven years, this magnificent species has suffered a dramatic decline due to a wasting disease.
2020
KEY LARGO, FLA.
KEY LARGO, FLA. – Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) will host its 11th Annual Upper Keys Lionfish Derby, Thursday Sept. 10 through Sunday, Sept. 13. During this socially-distant event, divers will compete to remove as many invasive lionfish as possible.
Run, walk, hike, or bike to support ocean conservation
As we celebrate REEF's 30th anniversary this year, we are reflecting on the people who helped make REEF the extraordinary organization it is today. One of these individuals is our co-founder, Paul Humann.
May 2020 Update: Due to the situation surrounding COVID-19, Ocean Explorers Camp will not be offered this summer. Please check our calendar for information about upcoming events.
Nassau Grouper populations increased threefold in response to dynamic fishing management actions in the Cayman Islands
2019
KEY LARGO, FLA. – REEF was recently awarded a $3,900 grant from Ocean Reef Community Foundation (ORCF) to fund Nature Days, an educational program for abused, abandoned, and neglected children.
KEY LARGO, FLA. – REEF is proud to introduce Citizen Science Saturday, a new monthly program created to engage Florida Keys residents and visitors in diverse hands-on citizen science projects while providing a way for the public to connect with nature.