You did your first REEF survey on 3/12/2005 on a field survey trip to Culebra. What got you started?
I spent a lot of time in Puerto Rico and our friends there suggested that we should dive around the island. We did a couple of trips on the south side of the island. We had heard from our island friends that Vieques and Culebra on the eastern side were beautiful. We got a list of survey trips REEF was going to do in 2005 and it sounded like fun. All the arrangements were made by REEF and it was a small group so we signed up. Franklin Neal was on the trip and he was so excited about surveying. He really got us hooked. Surveying is like a treasure hunt every time you enter the water.
On what date and where did you do your 1,000th Survey? Can you tell us anything memorable about your 1,000th survey?
My 1000th survey was on March 7, 2024, the day before my birthday on Little Cayman, one of my favorite places to dive. The site was Randy’s Gazebo. This dive was a favorite with an Arrow Blenny, Harlequin Pipefish, and lots of Nassau Groupers. Along with me were my favorite dive buddy and our good friends from the UK.
In which regions have you done surveys? What experience levels are you in those other regions?
The bulk of my surveys have been in the TWA where I’m a level 3 surveyor. I have surveyed in Hawaii and CIP.
Do you have any favorite dive spots in those places?
My favorite dive spot is where I’m diving. Living in Key Largo I love diving the Benwood, Slabs and Fire Coral Cave. The north shore of the big island of Hawaii is always a favorite. The Solomon Islands, and Palau are must see, must do places in my mind.
What are some of your favorite fishes? What makes them your favorite?
This is really difficult. Mantas and Whale Sharks because they are so graceful and awe-inspiring. Nassau and Goliath Groupers because they are so inquisitive. And then there are the little guys. Arrow blennies, Chalk bass, Lantern bass, and Pipefish just because they are so small and hard to find.