REEF Training Webinars

Some call them webinars. We call 'em Fishinars!

Fishie fun in the comfort of your own home. Great for first-timers or those wanting a review. These short, free webinars will teach you the finer points of identifying fish and invertebrates underwater.

• We use common names, not scientific names, and focus on how to ID each critter.
• Fishinars help divers learn how to become citizen scientists and help monitor marine life on their recreational dives. Data gathered goes into REEF's online database to help students, researchers, scientists, etc.
• Fishinars are open to divers, snorkelers, and devout landlubbers alike. Anyone wanting to know more about our local underwater residents is welcome to join in.
• You don't need a microphone or a webcam to be able to participate

View Calendar

Pacific NW Advanced Fish ID - (3 part Fishinar)

Some of the least common suspects that are seen in the Pacific NW.
Instructor: Janna Nichols, REEF Staff, Instructor and fish geek

Tuesday, February 21st at 7pm PST - Part 1
Wednesday, February 22nd at 7pm PST - Part 2 - Register
Thursday, February 23rd at 7pm PST - Part 3 - Register

• Although the Fishinars are free, you must register for each session you'd like to attend.
• If you are not already a member, you'll need to Join REEF to be able to register (it's free).
• Once you register for the webinar, you will receive a confirmation email with details on how to log on.
• Please log on at least 5-10 min prior to your session start time if possible.

Not Exactly Bums: Fish that live under Florida's Blue Heron Bridge

The Blue Heron Bridge in Florida might not seem at first glance like the most exotic dive spot in the world, but the fish that are found here can be quite unusual!
Instructor: Lureen Ferretti, REEF Expert and fish geek
Wednesday, February 29th at 5pm PST / 8pm EST - Register

• Although the Fishinars are free, you must register for each session you'd like to attend.
• If you are not already a member, you'll need to Join REEF to be able to register (it's free).
• Once you register for the webinar, you will receive a confirmation email with details on how to log on.
• Please log on at least 5-10 min prior to your session start time if possible.

Perplexing Parrotfish

Those perplexing parrotfish! Wouldn't you like to know how to tell them apart?
Instructor: Tracey Griffin, REEF Expert and fish geek
Wednesday, March 14th at 5pm PDT / 8pm EDT - Register

• Although the Fishinars are free, you must register for each session you'd like to attend.
• If you are not already a member, you'll need to Join REEF to be able to register (it's free).
• Once you register for the webinar, you will receive a confirmation email with details on how to log on.
• Please log on at least 5-10 min prior to your session start time if possible.

Fish that Say Aloha! Hawaii's Top 15

Hawaiian REEF Fish ID: Learn tips from REEF Experts and fish geeks, Donna Brown and Liz Foote.
Essential for dive travelers heading to the Hawaiian Islands, and kama'aina alike.
Wednesday, March 21st at 4pm HST / 7pm PDT / 10pm EDT - Register

• Although the Fishinars are free, you must register for each session you'd like to attend.
• If you are not already a member, you'll need to Join REEF to be able to register (it's free).
• Once you register for the webinar, you will receive a confirmation email with details on how to log on.
• Please log on at least 5-10 min prior to your session start time if possible.

25 Caribbean Fish You Should Know

You asked for it - you got it! A longer class with more fish.

Caribbean REEF Fish ID: Learn tips from REEF Expert and fish geek, Jonathan Lavan, on how to ID Caribbean fish.
Essential for dive travelers heading to Cozumel, Bonaire, and any other Caribbean destination.
Instructor: Jonathan Lavan, REEF Expert and fish geek
Wednesday, March 28th at 5pm PDT / 8pm EDT - Register

• Although the Fishinars are free, you must register for each session you'd like to attend.
• If you are not already a member, you'll need to Join REEF to be able to register (it's free).
• Once you register for the webinar, you will receive a confirmation email with details on how to log on.
• Please log on at least 5-10 min prior to your session start time if possible.

Experience Level Testing

Take your REEF Experience level tests online by appointment. Email janna@reef.org to set up a session.

• You must have at least 25, 35, or 50 surveys in the database before taking the level 3, 4 or 5 tests respectively.

Fishinar Archives

Missed a session? Archived copies will be posted for one week only after the Fishinar ends. If you are interested in viewing a fishinar that is no longer posted, please contact janna@reef.org with your name and REEF member number. (Don't have a REEF membership yet?) 

• Intro to REEF - Quickstart Guide to doing surveys - 25 minutes long,  25MB file size
• Northern Gulf of Mexico's Dapper Dozen
• NE Fish ID: The Northeast's Dirty Dozen
• PNW Fish ID: Rockfish Rock!
• PNW Fish ID: Scalawag Sculpins
• PNW Fish ID: Gunnels, Greenlings, Gobies and more
• PNW Fish ID: Weirdos: Ratfish, Flatfish and more
• Cozumel's Dirty Dozen (sorry, not recorded)
• Cozumel: The Next 13 Fish
• CAL Fish ID: Rockin' Rockfish
• CAL Fish ID: Scalawag Sculpins
• CAL Fish ID: Wrasse 'n' Bass: Nobody rides for free
• CAL Fish ID: Pesky Perch
• CAL Fish ID: Odds 'n' Ends
• TWA Lookalikes? Look Again!
• Caribbean Cryptics 47 minutes long, 72 MB file size
• PNW Advanced Fish ID Part 1: 74 minutes long, 123MB file size

Use Windows Media Player to view on both PC and Mac. All files are .wmv files.