You did your first REEF survey on 6/24/11 at Fort Wetherill. What got you started?
My first REEF survey was on 6/24/2011 at Fort Wetherill. What got me started conducting REEF surveys was a research trip to Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary off the coast of Georgia. During the trip I was conducting roving surveys. Dave Grenda was on the trip and he was entering his surveys to REEF and made a positive impression on me.
When and where did you do your 1,000th Survey? Tell us anything memorable about your 1,000th survey?
I conducted my 1,000th Survey at Keystone Jetty on 7/31/2023. The most memorable thing about my 1,000th survey was hanging out with Giant Pacific Octopus and schools of Rockfish.
In which regions have you done surveys? What experience levels are you in those other regions? Do you have any favorite dive spots in those places?
I have done surveys in TWA (Tropical Western Atlantic), PAC (Pacific Northwest/California), HAW (Hawaii), SOP (South Pacific), and NE (Northeast). My experience level in the Pacific Northwest and NE level are 5 while I'm either 1 or 2 in the rest.
What are some of your favorite fishes or invertebrates? What makes them your favorite?
It's hard to pick a favorite fish or invertebrate because I like them all. I do enjoy watching Spotted Ratfish swim around. I also enjoy watching Giant Pacific Octopus do their thing.
What is your favorite thing/memory about REEF and the Volunteer Survey Project?
My favorite thing about REEF is the interaction with other members. We are all passionate about diving and exploring the marine environment.
What are your goals with REEF for the future?
More surveys!