REEF is pleased to announce that one space on the 2011 Roatan Field Survey Trip will be held for a dive-certified educator to participate in underwater fish surveys of various dive sites within the Roatan Marine Park. Conservation, Education, Diving, Awareness, and Marine-research (CEDAM) is sponsoring the Lloyd Brides Scholarship that will fund this unique opportunity.

Both elementary and secondary level teachers and those employed by an agency, aquarium, or non-profit organization whose primary position is education are eligible for the scholarship.  Applicants must hold open-water scuba certification or higher and are required to submit an essay as part of the application.

In July of 2010, REEF conducted a number of fish surveys on dive sites outside of the Roatan Marine Park. Survey data showed low species counts in comparison to the one site surveyed within the park.  REEF and the Marine Park then decided to bring REEF back in 2011 to survey dive sites protected by the Marine Park.  The data collected could help the marine park obtain future community and governmental support and funding.

The scholarship recipient will learn fish id, have the opportunity to become an expert-level fish surveyor, and collect important fish species and abundance data.  Additionally, the recipient is encouraged to share their experiences with students to inspire their interest in marine science and conservation.

For more information or to apply for the Lloyd Bridges Scholarship, please visit: www.cedam.org.

Application deadline is May 1, 2011.