Become a Citizen Scientist by taking part in the Volunteer Fish Survey Project, an effective and powerful ocean program that allows scientists and resource managers to use the data to better understand and protect ocean ecosystems worldwide. Learn to identify and recognize the marine fish species, including their behaviors from reproduction and feeding to camouflage and communication. Practice these Fish ID skills while snorkeling in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Learn about the threats invasive marine fish pose to their non-native environments and what is being done to combat one of the most infamous invasive fish species: the lionfish. Gain background on the invasion, lionfish biology, ecological impacts, current research, collecting and handling techniques, and much more. Explore South Florida's diverse tropical ecosystems, understand their importance, and discover how individuals can make a difference in conservation while kayaking through John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

About the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF)
Founded in 1990, REEF is an international marine conservation organization that implements hands-on programs to involve local communities in conservation-focused activities. Its mission is to protect biodiversity and ocean life by actively engaging and inspiring the public through citizen science, education, and partnerships with the scientific community.

The responsibilities handled by volunteers represent vital aspects of Dolphins Plus: Marine Mammal Responder operations. Volunteers may find themselves helping with facility maintenance such as canal clean up, seaweed removal, fence cleaning, painting and landscaping. Participants will gain an understanding of the causes, functions, development of evolution and how it relates to animals while going into depth on the importance of Zoos and Aquariums. In a Marine Mammal Rescue course, students will explore policies and best practices in regards to marine mammal strandings, response, rehabilitation, and release.

About Dolphins Plus: Marine Mammal Responder

Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder (DPMMR) is committed to the conservation and protection of marine mammals, worldwide, through our active involvement in conservation, research, extensive education, and outreach programs. DPMMR leads and operates the only whale and dolphin stranding organization covering 10,000 square miles of marine habitat in the Florida Keys. DPMMR promotes a greater understanding of marine ecosystem science, marine mammal conservation, and environmental stewardship via powerful daily interactions with the general public.

Get up-close experience with scientific fieldwork and coral reef restoration. Learn about why coral reefs are in decline and why restoration is being done to combat this decline. Snorkel for a unique “birds-eye” view of coral nurseries and active restoration sites on nearby reefs. Discuss coral tree and nursery advantages and disadvantages while exploring various aspects of maintenance & materials. Delve into outplanting techniques and methodology, invertebrate field guides, coral identification & biology.

About the Coral Restoration Foundation ™ (CRF)
CRF is the world's largest non-profit marine-conservation organization dedicated to restoring coral reefs to a healthy state, in Florida and globally. Their mission is to restore coral reefs, to educate others on the importance of our oceans, and to use science to further coral research and coral reef monitoring techniques. CRF works to support the reefs’ natural recovery processes through the large-scale cultivation, outplanting, and monitoring of genetically diverse, reef-building corals.

Our groups will help cleanup the canals in the Big Pine community.

About the Conch Republic Marine Army (CRMA)

The CRMA's mission is habitat restoration, and to clean up and protect the coasts, mangroves, and waterways of the Florida Keys. CRMA uses passive restoration techniques to reduce or eliminate the sources of degradation and permit enough recovery time to allow the site to naturally regenerate.