It’s been weeks already since I was chosen by the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) and the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation (GHOF) as the 2014 Spring REEF Guy Harvey Intern, but the feeling of being honored by that decision has yet to leave. Although, it has been elevated with a great sense of anticipation. I have had many experiences working in the marine environment, but this opportunity is going to be the benchmark of my early professional career in ocean conservation. I am looking forward to a semester of science, public outreach, planning events and of course, SCUBA diving.
But, every road has its beginning. Mine began on the Florida turnpike in a 1997 Ford F150, loaded for bear, with my dog Layla as co-captain in the passenger seat. I was headed from Fort Lauderdale to my new home for the next five months in Key Largo. I appreciate that this opportunity comes at the start of a new year. I normally spend the first week of January thinking of new goals I can set for myself, so I’ve already made a few pertaining to this fellowship.
The first goal is near completion – an overachiever, yes I am aware. I unpacked. I wanted to get settled in as soon as possible so I can focus on what lies ahead. I came down a week early, and already there is plenty to do. My calendar is going to fill up fast with plans for special projects and events over the next few months. But so far, I’ve spent the week in acclimation becoming accustomed to the daily tasks of the new position, such as meeting visitors at the office, responding to emails and answering phone calls. Layla is adjusting too – she knows where her treats are and how to ask for them.
These next few goals are going to take some time, but come the month of May I’ll be glad and feeling accomplished as I reminisce over this post. The big goal to work on is surveying at my research sites over the following five months to collect the data I need to finish my master’s thesis and graduate. I am grateful for the support this fellowship will contribute towards my work as a graduate student at the Nova Southeastern University Oceanographic Center. I am conducting a study to investigate the population dynamics of invasive lionfish (Pterois volitans and P. miles) at sites within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Readers, stand by for post updates about the progress of my research as I will give periodic reports from the field as they occur.
You might say that last goal was at the top of my list, but honestly I am more excited to tell about and achieve this next one then, well, graduate with a master’s degree. In precaution of saying this last statement, please do not re-post this on any of my thesis committee members Facebook pages – just kidding. It’s going to take some study and commitment, but I would like to complete the required 50 fish identification surveys and pass the level five exam to be considered as an “expert” by the REEF fish identification survey program before the time I leave here in May. As part of this goal, I would like to finally count 100 species in one survey dive on Alligator Reef. It is one of the few sites rich enough in species diversity to accomplish this – but it takes an expert eye and a long, cold bottom time.
Lastly, this next accomplishment is going to be hard to judge by and started with a conversation I had with REEF director of special projects, Lad Akins, in his office a few weeks ago. He asked me what I wanted to do when this was all done, whereby “this” he meant the fellowship and graduate school. I must admit that I was taken a little by surprise from the question. Until that time, I had been so focused my thesis project, volunteering with REEF and working a day job as a divemaster and PADI SCUBA instructor that I really didn’t stop to think all of “this” was going to end soon. I have a career goal to work in coral reef conservation among stakeholder, government and non-government organizations, but there are many outlets to follow on that path. So, upon completing this fellowship it is my hope that I connect with one of the various REEF or Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation affiliated collaborators to gain insight from their job expertise – at which time, I will decide the direction this road takes next.