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Summer Fundraising Campaign - $30k in 30 Days

Dear REEF Friends,

We are well into our Summer Fundraising Campaign, and on behalf of all of us at REEF, thank you to everyone who has already donated! We are on our way to meeting our goal, but more funds are still needed to ensure our core programs are maintained and continue to grow. These include:

Volunteer Survey Project. The cornerstone of REEF's citizen science programs, divers and snorkelers collect biodiversity and population data on our most important ocean ecosystems. For more information click here.

Invasive Lionfish Research. The Indo-Pacific lionfish invasion is rapidly moving south into the Caribbean, and the initial results of REEF’s on-the-ground work suggest these impacts will be devastating. For more information click here.

Grouper Moon Project. This collaborative research program is studying one of the last remaining spawning aggregations of the endangered Nassau grouper. For more information click here.

Through participation in these important and engaging citizen science programs, our members are truly seeing their dives count:

“I became interested in reef fish and began learning as much as I could and documenting my observations, just for fun. Then I met up with REEF and my hobby became a meaningful passion! I am now in the water with my survey slate several times a week. Thanks to REEF, I feel I am making a contribution to the preservation of this precious and fragile environment.” -P.R., Hawaii

“I have been a member of REEF since I first heard of it, over 15 years ago. I was excited by the idea that I could count fish while I was diving and help scientists keep track of increases and/or decreases in fish populations. I progressed from an occasional fish counter to taking the test and becoming an Advanced Assessment Team member. Now I find it hard to dive without doing a fish count. -L.K., Florida

"Being a REEF surveyor empowers me to be a more active citizen. My experiences underwater provide me a perspective that few get. Learn it, Love it, Protect it. Isn't that what really happens as a REEF surveyor? The more I dive and learn, the more I appreciate the value of healthy ecosystems and sustainable practices. The more I appreciate our natural world and understand the threats to it, the more I speak out on marine conservation issues.” -D.J., Washington

As you can see, REEF's programs are making a difference, and your contribution is needed to help us continue our important work. Please donate today and help us meet our goal of raising $30,000 in 30 days, thank you!

Best Fishes,

Lisa Mitchell

REEF Executive Director

P.S. You can also call in your donation to REEF HQ, 305-852-0030. If you prefer to donate by check, please mail your donation to:

REEF - Summer 2009 Fundraising Campaign, P.O. Box 246, 98300 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037

Photo credits: Ned DeLoach (lionfish, Caribbean surveyor), Brice Semmens (Nassau grouper), Pete Naylor (PNW surveyor).