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.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn about various adaptations and behaviors of marine invertebrates and then observe these adaptations firsthand through short experiments conducted while snorkeling. They will also have the chance to learn about the importance of Seagrass to Florida’s ecosystems. Student data will be analyzed and discussed before being entered into MarineLab’s database. Participants will also observe shark researchers in action! Alongside the Ocean First Institute's team of shark biologists, participants will head out onto the water to learn about methods used to catch and sample sharks, the parameters that are measured and what the data are used for, and how scientists safely handle sharks.

About MarineLab
MarineLab is dedicated to helping students study marine biology and the ecosystems of the Florida Keys region. These labs often serve as hubs for scientific research, education, and conservation initiatives related to the diverse marine life found in the Keys. They provide a unique setting for hands-on learning, fieldwork, and observations, contributing to our understanding of marine environments and fostering efforts to preserve and protect the delicate ecosystems in the Florida Keys.

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.