REEF members are at the heart of our grassroots marine conservation programs. Over 43,000 divers, snorkelers, students, and armchair naturalists stand behind our mission.
This month we highlight Doug Harder (REEF member since 1996). Doug lives in Monument, Colorado, and has conducted 759 REEF surveys. Doug is a member of the Advanced Assessment Team in both the Tropical Western Atlantic and Hawaii. Here's what Doug had to say about REEF:
What inspires you to do REEF Surveys?
For me, jumping in the ocean with a slate is the ultimate, there is just nothing better. The ocean is always a mystery as to what I will find. Even if I have been on a site before, I have learned that the sea and its habitants are always changing and moving. I have become quite aware of the overall reef ecosystem and have learned about fish, such as where on the reef they live, how they behave, and what they eat. Are they vegetarians or are they carnivores, are they the hunters or the hunted, dine in or dine out?
What is your favorite fish find?
When I survey in the Caribbean I am always be on the lookout for the sailfin blenny, which is only 1 ½” long. It will flap its pectoral fins and wave its dorsal fin at me. How could you miss that fish? Then there is the 14’ manta ray off the island of Molokini, Hawaii, how do you compare?
In addition to doing surveys, what else do you appreciate about REEF?
Of course giving back to Mother Earth is a part of the good thing that REEF is. Looking after our mostly unknown and least observed animals on earth and trying to help scientist understand what is going on with the fish. That to me is what REEF really is and how it is helping. The fact that I get to be a part of it makes me feel lucky.
Any tips for surveyors out there?
Do you want to see more fish, the unusual fish, the hard to find fish? Well here is a tip for the REEFers -- be the first off the boat and the last one up. Unless of course I am on the boat, then second will work!