REEF Ocean After Hours - Turtle Talk with Phil Allman

September 29, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Dive into the fascinating world of sea turtles at Ocean After Hours: Turtle Talk with Phil Allman at REEF's Ocean Exploration Center in Key Largo! Join Professor Phil Allman of Goshen College for an engaging evening as he shares his research tracking sea turtles right here in the Florida Keys, offering a rare window into the lives of these beloved and ancient marine reptiles.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Allman's research is how individual turtles can be identified simply by the unique patterns on their faces, no tags required. During the talk, you will learn how these facial patterns act like fingerprints, allowing researchers to recognize and follow specific turtles over time. It is a wonderful example of the clever, non-invasive science helping us understand and protect these threatened creatures.

Allman will share what these sightings reveal about turtle movements, habitat use, and daily life in the waters of the Keys, along with stories of the individual turtles he and his students are documenting. Best of all, you will discover how divers, snorkelers, and everyday community members can contribute to the research, turning your next underwater adventure into a chance to support real science.

Whether you are a diver, a snorkeler, an ocean lover, or simply curious about the sea turtles that call the Florida Keys home, this is an inspiring and educational evening you will not want to miss. Come learn, connect, and be part of the effort to protect these incredible animals at the Ocean Exploration Center in beautiful Key Largo!