From REEF to Resilience
Tuesday, October 6, 2026, from 9:15 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Key Largo.
Join REEF for a full day exploring the health and resilience of Florida's coastal ecosystems and the role each of us can play in understanding and protecting them.
The day begins with a Volunteer Fish Survey Project classroom session, where participants will learn how fish populations and reef communities can serve as indicators of ecosystem health and why long-term monitoring is important. Participants can then put their skills into practice during a guided REEF Fish Survey Project dive or snorkel, collecting observations that contribute to REEF's citizen science database.
The day concludes with an Ocean After Hours community panel featuring experts in marine science, conservation, and citizen science. Together, we'll explore the pressures facing Florida's coastal ecosystems, how scientists monitor and respond to these changes, and how research, conservation, and community participation can help build resilience.
Whether you join us for the full day or just the evening panel, you'll leave with a deeper understanding of Florida's coastal ecosystems and ways you can contribute to their health and resilience.
Event Schedule:
9:15 to 11:00 a.m., Volunteer Fish Survey Project Class. Learn REEF's fish survey methodology and how long-term citizen science data helps scientists understand changes in coral reef ecosystems. Free. Registration required. Limited capacity.
1:00 p.m. check-in, 1:30 p.m. dive or snorkel, Volunteer Fish Survey Project Dive or Snorkel. Put your survey skills into practice during a guided fish survey dive or snorkel. Paid registration required. Limited capacity. Please note, you must attend the morning Fish Survey Project Class to participate in the afternoon dive or snorkel.
5:15 to 6:00 p.m., Community Networking. Enjoy light food and refreshments while connecting with REEF staff, volunteers, dive participants, and other community members. Free and open to the public.
6:00 to 7:30 p.m., From REEF to Resilience, Ocean After Hours Panel. Join marine scientists and conservation professionals for a conversation about resilience in Florida's oceans, followed by an opportunity for audience questions. Free and open to the public.
It all happens at the REEF Ocean Exploration Center at 98380 Overseas Highway, tucked in the median at mile marker 98.3 off Bahama Road. The center is free to visit during regular hours and worth an afternoon on its own, with self-guided exploration and stories of science, history and the arts. REEF has spent more than 30 years helping people build meaningful connections with the oceans. The event is part of Florida Climate Week, presented by the VoLo Foundation.
