About Reef Matters
Driven by our Love for the Reef, we educate, empower, and protect.
Our Story Begins Beneath the Surface
Reef Matters was born out of a deep love for the ocean and a sense of urgency to protect what’s left of our coral reefs. I'm a marine biologist and scuba instructor who has spent the last few years diving & educating here in Utila, Honduras.
Through teaching hundreds of divers and witnessing reef decline firsthand, I decided to take action to empower people to help the Reef through heartfelt education.
Reef Matters, is a place where anyone can start understanding, respecting, and helping the reef, both in the water and on land.
Our Mission
We exist to connect people to the reef through heartfelt education & in-water experience.
Our goal is to empower ocean lovers to become reef protectors through accessible science-based learning & mindful diving.
Meet The Founder
Hi, I’m Mariam Weyand, founder of Reef Matters. I’m a French marine biologist and SSI Assistant Instructor Trainer with more than 1,000 dives. I’ve worked in sea turtle conservation in Costa Rica, guided and certified divers in Honduras, and dedicated my work to coral ecology and ocean education. I’m here to help you understand the reef and give you the tools to protect what you love, whether you’re just curious or ready to become an ocean advocate.
What We Offer
Introduction to Coral Ecology
Explore what corals are, why they matter, the threats they face, the main types found in the Mesoamerican Reef, and how you can help protect them from anywhere.
In-Water Practice in Utila, Honduras
| Come to Utila and get in the water diving or snorkeling with a Marine Biologist to improve your understanding of the precious underwater world. |
Sea Turtle Ecology
| Learn about sea turtles, their ecological importance, the threats they face, the conservation efforts existing and how to help them from wherever you are. |
Our Vision
"We believe that the more people understand the reef, the more they will care — and the more they'll protect it."
Our vision is a future where education leads to action, where reef health becomes a shared responsibility, and where divers, students, and local communities work together to restore marine ecosystems.
Join the Reef Matters Community
Take our courses, join an in-water practice, or grab a cleanup bag, because every action, big or small, helps protect the reef.