The REEF method was developed for use by volunteer divers and has been in place since 1993. In fact, a large number of surveys have come from the shallow Carysfort site via volunteers. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary has been an integral part in the development of REEF and many other volunteer programs. It may be one of the most progressive models for marine volunteer opportunities in the world. REEF's program involves divers and snorkelers collecting information about fish sightings and abundance during their regular dives.
Courses are available to train volunteers in the identification of common species.
Then, divers enter the water with an underwater checklist and waterproof ID guide. Species are marked on the checklist as they are sighted and divers attempt to record as many species as they can find. Following the dive, the volunteers fill out report forms and return them to REEF for scanning into the data base. The program is being expanded to include the Gulf of California, the Mid-Atlantic, and soon, Hawaii. More than 17,000 volunteer fish surveys have already been completed and entered into the REEF data base.