Author: The REEF Team
Our annual summer donation match is here! Now through August 8, all gifts are doubled, dollar for dollar, up to $70,000! Will you support our citizen science, education, and research programs by donating today? You can make a donation securely online at www.REEF.org/donate. You can also donate over the phone by calling (305) 852-0030, or mail your donation to P.O. Box 370246, Key Largo, FL 33037. Your gift this summer will ensure that we can continue all of the great work shared in this newsletter. As a special thank you, donors who give $250 or more will receive a limited-edition set of marine life notecards, featuring five fish images, photographed by REEF Co-Founder Ned DeLoach. Thank you for supporting ocean conservation and helping REEF make a difference!
Author: Christy Pattengill-Semmens, Ph.D., Co-Executive Director: Science & Engagement
Dr. Christy Pattengill-Semmens, REEF Co-Executive Director of Science and Engagement, recently attended the 2023 Citizen Science Association Conference to share information about the Volunteer Fish Survey Project (VFSP). The semi-annual conference brings together a wide variety of practitioners, volunteers, academics, educators, and more, to share ideas and insights, and to forge stronger relationships and practices across the field. Christy has represented REEF and the VFSP at these gatherings since the very early days (even before there was an official association), including the very first workshop that was held at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in 2007. This year's conference was dubbed C*Sci23, with the asterisk representing the many approaches to research by, for, and with members of the public and the various terms and categories of contributory, collaborative, and co-created science.
Christy presented a poster (pictured) that explored how modern digital photography has not only enriched dives underwater, but has also drastically improved efforts in citizen science, most notably fish identification. The evolution of cameras, lights, and other technologies has enabled diving citizen scientists to record and identify species well after they are out of the water, bringing a new wave of discoveries. At the same time, social media platforms, especially Facebook groups, have connected communities and facilitated the leveraging of distributed knowledge and expertise in ways previously impossible. These advances collectively have resulted in new species being identified, and a better understanding of species-specific distributions, commonness, and habitat specialization has resulted. This information has strengthened reference materials and field guides, and have improved natural history and training opportunities for citizen scientists.
In a few weeks, REEF will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the VFSP. The very first REEF surveys were conducted by a group of volunteers (including Christy) in Key Largo, FL, during the inaugural REEF Field Survey Trip on July 19-23, 1993. Today, the VFSP database is approaching 300,000 surveys conducted worldwide. We are so proud of the program's growth and impact, and are honored to be considered a leader in the field of citizen science. Check out some of the fun ways we are celebrating at www.REEF.org/vfsp-30th.
Are you a REEF surveyor who uses a camera while diving or snorkeling? We would love to hear how cameras and other technology impacted your experience with the VFSP. Send us a note to data@REEF.org.
Click here to view a larger image of the poster Christy presented at C*Sci23, titled "A Clearer Picture: how digital cameras and other technologies have changed citizen science marine life surveys."
Author: Madalyn Mussey, Education and Outreach Program Manager
Education is a core part of REEF's marine conservation mission. From elementary school classes to adult travel groups, we offer programs for all ages and backgrounds through the REEF Ocean Explorers Education Program. Participants can join in both online and in person, and learn about topics like fish identification, citizen science, marine life behavior, invasive species, endangered species, sustainable fisheries, and Florida Keys ecology.
Although we host in person and online education programs year-round, the summer season brings plenty of education programs to the REEF Campus in the Florida Keys. In May we kicked off our busy summer season with a week-long expedition with Georgia State University, who has been participating in REEF programs since 2018. This year's student group celebrated many firsts during their trip, including their first visit to the Florida Keys, first time participating in citizen science, and first time snorkeling in the ocean!
We are also hosting Road Scholars at the REEF Campus for the fifth consecutive summer. Intergenerational groups of grandparents and their grandchildren are visiting the REEF Campus each week from June through August to learn about fish ID, marine life adaptations, and the importance of conservation. These groups are especially rewarding to teach, and they all walk away from our programs inspired and excited about ocean conservation.
Many of our summer groups love learning about fish identification and behavior. Participants from groups like The Road Less Traveled and Westcoast Connection travel from all over the country to learn about the REEF Volunteer Fish Survey Project. After a lesson on how to identify common fishes of the Florida Keys, we head out to the coral reef to conduct fish surveys!
With their striking patterns, alien-like adaptations, and venomous spines, invasive lionfish are another favorite topic for our education groups. While we love hosting in-person lionfish classes and dissections, not everyone can come to us to learn, and in these cases, we bring the ocean to them! Throughout the summer, we will be hosting lionfish dissections virtually for various summer camp groups to learn all about this invasive species. One camp, the Naples Zoo Summer Camp, is a repeat participant in REEF’s virtual programs.
Through REEF Ocean Explorers Education programs, participants may learn about ocean life in a variety of ways, whether on a boat in the field, in the classroom, or on a computer screen.
To find out more about the REEF Ocean Explorers Education Program or to set up a program of your own, visit www.REEF.org/explorers.
Author: Janna Nichols, Citizen Science Program Manager
The Golden Hamlet Club is a highly dedicated group of surveyors who have conducted 1,000 or more REEF surveys for the Volunteer Fish Survey Project. We are so pleased to welcome four new members: Kara Curry, Janet Camp, Ed Gullekson and Carol Cox. They join 36 other Golden Hamlet Club members.
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Kara Curry has amazingly accumulated 1000 surveys in only 6 years. She enjoys surveying while scuba diving, snorkeling and freediving. One of her favorite things about being a REEF member and volunteer is being part of the REEF community. She's surveyed in the TWA, HAW, CIP, IORS, SOP, and TEP regions. Read more about Kara and her path to the Golden Hamlet Club here.
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Janet Camp has been a member of REEF since 2011, and has surveyed in many of REEF's survey regions, including CIP, SOP, IORS, EAM, TEP and TWA. Her first survey was done on Little Cayman, and she conducted her 1000th survey in Sulawesi, Indonesia. Janet also serves as a member of REEF's Board of Trustees. Read more about Janet's path to the Golden Hamlet Club here.
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Ed Gullekson did his first survey in 2009 in Seattle, Washington. The majority of his dives in the following years have been in the Pacific Northwest, although he has done some surveys in the TWA and TEP regions as well. He enjoys looking for critters big and small, including Giant Pacific Octopus, Wolf-eels, little Grunt Sculpins and Pacific Spiny Lumpsuckers, and the occasional Bluntnose Sixgill Shark. Read more about Ed's path to the Golden Hamlet Club here.
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Carol Cox has done surveys in the CIP, SOP, IORS, TWA and TEP regions. Her favorite dives were Roca Partida and The Boiler in the Socorro Islands. She also enjoys the caverns in Palau, because she was able to find unusual fish there. Carol shares many of her photos from around the world with REEF and other educational and reference materials. Read more about Carol's path to the Golden Hamlet Club here.
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Congratulations to Kara, Janet, Ed, and Carol, and thank you for your contributions to citizen science!
To commemorate this significant achievement, Golden Hamlet Club members’ names are engraved on a plaque displayed at the REEF Campus in Key Largo, Florida.
Click here to read more about the Golden Hamlet Club and its members.
Author: Amy Lee, Communications and Engagement Manager
REEF Fest 2023 is on Oct. 19-22 in Key Largo, Florida, and we hope you can join us! We have plenty of exciting activities planned, including diving, snorkeling, kayaking, ocean seminars, and socials. A highlight of the weekend is the Saturday evening celebration, For the Love of the Sea. The event will take place on the evening of Oct. 21, at a beautiful waterfront location overlooking Florida Bay - the perfect backdrop for those beautiful Key Largo sunsets.
Little Moir's Hibiscus strEATery has put together a delicious menu for the evening, including appetizers like hummus, veggies, and asian-style guacamole with wonton chips, as well as greek salad, spicy melon salad, and cucumber pineapple salad. Dinner stations will be open throughout the evening, serving a variety of entrees including sweet potato crusted avocado, homemade cheesy garlic pasta, coconut panko chicken wraps, and a salsa verde veggie bowl. Local favorite Keys Chocolates and Ice Cream is providing a selection of yummy treats for dessert, along with freshly brewed coffee generously provided by Kaldi's Coffee.
For the Love of the Sea tickets are $95 per person and include appetizers, dinner, desserts, and an open bar with local craft beer from Florida Keys Brewing Company, wine, liquor and a selection of non-alcoholic beverages. There will also be live music and a silent auction featuring marine life artwork and photography, jewelry, vacation packages, and more. You don't want to miss this fun evening! You can purchase your ticket when you register online for REEF Fest. For more info about REEF Fest 2023 or to register, visit www.REEF.org/REEFfest.
Author: Alli Candelmo, Ph.D., Conservation Science Manager
Be sure to join us for the Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Festival on Sept. 7-10, 2023! The event includes two days to collect as many invasive lionfish as possible, followed by a family-friendly lionfish festival hosted at the picturesque Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina in Islamorada. The festival is open to the public and features lionfish tastings, drink specials, educational demonstrations, games, interactive booths from environmental vendors, live music, and more. Visit www.REEF.org/derby for all the details.
Teams of two to four people may register to compete in the derby. Be sure to sign up soon to take advantage of the early bird rate of $75 per team, available until August 10. Registration is available online here. You can also stay up to date on derby info and connect with other teams by joining the REEF Invasive Lionfish Facebook Group.
This event is made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, including Ocean Conservancy, Ocean Reef Conservation Association, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, TRIAD, Mesara Foundation, Sharkey's Pub & Galley Restaurant, and Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina, with advertising support from the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. Thank you to all sponsors for your support of REEF Invasive Species Program!
Author: Amy Lee, Communications and Engagement Manager
REEF members are the heart of our grassroots marine conservation programs. A diverse community of divers, snorkelers, and ocean enthusiasts support our mission to conserve marine environments worldwide.
This month we highlight John Smajdek, a REEF member from California. He is an active surveyor in the Pacific Coast of the US and Canada (PAC) region, where he has conducted nearly 400 surveys, including many at local southern California dive sites. Thank you John, for being a dedicated and enthusiastic REEF member!
When and how did you first volunteer with REEF or become a REEF member?
I first started volunteering with REEF about 12 years ago. I had been diving for many years, and it was starting to feel routine (and a little boring). I learned about REEF through the Power Scuba Dive Club, went to the free fish and invertebrate ID classes, and I was hooked. It opened my eyes, and showed me how much of the underwater environment I had been missing... I was looking but not really seeing. REEF renewed my enthusiasm for diving.
What inspires you to complete REEF surveys?
I find doing a survey fun because it gives you an additional goal for a dive. You and your dive buddy can compare what each other saw (or didn't see) during a dive. It generates a lot of discussion and forces you break out the guide books and do a little research and verification. It can even generate into expanded discussions with others on the dive boat or part of the dive group.
In your opinion, what is the most important aspect of REEF’s projects and programs?
One of the most important aspects of REEF is heightening divers' awareness of what is in the environment. In addition, it is good to know that the data collected is aiding ongoing scientific research about the environment we all enjoy. My degree is in biology/chemistry, and it is nice to know that after 40 years, I'm still contributing to the scientific community.
What is your favorite fish or marine invertebrate?
My favorite fish is southern California's illusive Giant Kelpfish. I like them because they are very hard to find because they blend in so well with the kelp. Nature gave them excellent camouflage, many times you find them sitting vertical looking and waving just like a piece of kelp. How cool is that. They are absolutely beautiful.
What is your most memorable fish find and why?
My dive buddy Fred and I were swimming along a large wall in our beloved Point Loma kelp beds checking out the structure, inverts and fish. Visibility was about 20 feet (our normal), and out of the haze coming straight at us was a cruising 8-foot Sevengill Shark (don't worry, they are harmless). We froze, and he/she leisurely swam right by, within three feet of us, and disappeared in the haze. What a cool encounter.
Author: Katie Barnes, Communications and Engagement Fellow
REEF online programs are free and open to everyone! Here's what's coming up this month:
REEF Into the Blue Book Club Meeting
Thursday, July 13, 8pm EDT
Click here to register.
REEF Into the Blue Book Club brings together readers who love the ocean. At this meeting, we will discuss our latest book selection, Monarchs of the Sea, The Extraordinary 500-Million-Year History of Cephalopods by Danna Staaf.
Fishinar: California Young of the Year Rockfish
Tuesday, August 15, 8pm EDT
Click here to register.
Rockfish are some of the most frequently seen fish on the Pacific coast, but how do you tell the younger ones apart? Guest presenter and NOAA Fisheries Biologist Tom Laidig will teach us how to identify those juvenile (aka young of the year or YOY) rockfish found in California, and share some fun rockfish facts!
Author: Katie Barnes, Communications and Engagement Fellow
The Conservation Challenge is a fun way to earn collectible stickers while participating in marine conservation and citizen science. During the month of July, you can earn a Conservation Challenge sticker by participating in a Great Annual Fish Count event or by submitting a REEF survey anytime this month. The Great Annual Fish Count is a month-long initiative for divers and snorkelers to learn about marine life and get involved in citizen science. You can learn more and see GAFC events near you at www.fishcount.org.
Want to go the extra mile? We'd love to hear about your experience participating in a REEF program! You can earn a special Conservation Challenge sticker by emailing your story and a couple photos to conservationchallenge@REEF.org. For more information about the REEF Conservation Challenge, visit www.REEF.org/conservationchallenge.
Author: Janna Nichols, Citizen Science Program Manager
Welcome to Citizen Science Corner, our quarterly feature to celebrate those who recently reached a milestone in our Volunteer Fish Survey Project. Here are achievements from April, May and June 2023:
Golden Hamlet Award
Congratulations to Kara Curry, Janet Camp, and Ed Gullekson and Carol Cox for reaching 1000 surveys and joining the Golden Hamlet Club! Check out this article to read more about them.
Juvenile Hamlet Award
The Juvenile Hamlet Award is for individuals who have conducted 500+ REEF surveys. Congratulations to our latest Juvenile Hamlet Club members, Frank Krasovec, Karen Bogart and Daryl Duda! Read more about the Juvenile Hamlet award and others who have achieved it.
Experience Level Advancements
REEF Experience Levels are a way for divers and snorkelers to measure their fish ID knowledge along with their surveying experience. From beginner to expert, you'll find plenty of resources and friends to help you along the way. Experience Levels are achieved by submitting a certain number of surveys and passing a fish ID test. For more info, visit www.REEF.org/experiencelevels. Let's hear it for these REEF members who have advanced an Experience Level!
All listed below are Level 2 unless otherwise noted.
California (CAL)
Brian Dyck
Carl Brooker
Gaurav Prabhudesai
Gina Davis
Jeanne Sabin
Kasie Mays
Lisa Olimpio
Mary Brazer
Min Jung Kim
Nisha Hariharan
Robin Canfield
Victoria Chen
Central Indo-Pacific (CIP)
Byron Bishop - Level 5
Laurie Fulton - Level 5
Kris Karlen - Level 4
Marta Bonatz - Level 3
Mindy Gould - Level 3
Barb Garii
David Ehlert
Lisa Huang
Mark Barnby
Marta Bonatz
Shaina Michael
Hawaii (HAW)
Todd Cliff - Level 5
Andrea Ippen
Angela Arthur
Cathie Becker
David Baasch
Deanna Chandler
Fiona Belmont
Frances Tong
Geri Chandler
John Potts
Karen Wray
Kristi Van Pernis
Marcia Nora
Martin Bjontegard
Maura Hennessy
Steve Brown
Trish Baasch
New England & Eastern Canada (NE)
Maryse Marceau-Grimard
South Pacific (SOP)
Amy Lee - Level 5
Byron Bishop - Level 3
Michaela Peterson - Level 3
Sally Davies - Level 3
Bel Chaves
Tropical Western Atlantic (TWA)
Marilyn Bentley - Level 5
Rachael Lewus - Level 5
Lee Gano - Level 4
Adam Lee - Level 3
Alexis Haag - Level 3 (REEF Fellow)
Caroline Broadbent - Level 3
Joe Stewart - Level 3
Vicki Dixon - Levels 2 and 3
Aaron Mulkey
Adam Lee
Alexandra Born
Alex O'Donnell
Audrey Brooks
Barb Hines
Bibiana Martinez
Braddock Rhodenhiser
Brian Chansky (REEF MCI)
Cameron Grey
Carolyn Corley (REEF MCI)
Chelsea Ankenbrandt
Christopher Moore
Ciara Taylor
Dana Kowalsick
David Cutchall
Delaney Shive
Emily Newsome
Em Holman
Emma Howell
Erik Neugaard
Felicity Mohammadbhoy
Francisco Balderas
Gale Paradis
Gina Davison
Grace Wolf
Graham Moffett
Hannah Owens
Hannah Saglimbeni
Jackie Myers
Jalen Gibbs
Jeff McKinnon
Jessalyn Justice
Jessica Mitchell
Joe Stewart
Joseph Guzek
Josh Keyser
Katelynn Wixson
Katharine Beare
Katie Cooper
Katie Snow
Kevin Cash
Koy Burnette
Lucie Mobbs
Mackenzie Clark
Marcia Wiseman
Marhea Fay Pease
Marina Chander
Maya Barboza
Megan Krussman
Meghan Howard
Nora Stinagle
Olivia Klein
Owen Saperstien
Patrick Byrnes
Rebecca Ball
Rosie Bamberger
Rosie Arathoon
Sean Astley
Sophie Moniz
Teddy Parkinson
Trent Snyder
Trish Finerty
Yaa Quaning
Zoe Munson
Author: Stacey Henderson, Program Services Coordinator
REEF Field Survey Trips are eco-vacations led by marine life experts. Each trip features daily dives and fish ID classes for both beginners and experienced surveyors. Divers, snorkelers, and families are all welcome. If you're looking for a trip this fall, there are still a few spaces remaining on our upcoming trip to the southern Sea of Cortez on Sept. 29-Oct. 6. This special itinerary aboard the Rocio Del Mar liveaboard is only offered by request, and includes the chance the dive the unique rocky reefs and pinnacle dive sites of southern Baja, including Espirtu Santo, Los Islotes, and Isla Cerralvo, also known as Jacques Cousteau Island.
Visit www.REEF.org/trips for more details about this and other trips. To book your space, email trips@REEF.org. Check out some of our upcoming trips with open spaces, including:
Dumaguete, Philippines - Aug. 5-13, 2023
Southern Baja - Sept. 29-Oct. 6, 2023
Curacao - Nov. 4-11, 2023
Grenada - Jan. 27-Feb. 3, 2024
Galapagos - March 17-24, 2024
Utila, Honduras - April 6-13, 2024
St. Lucia – May 4-11, 2024
Gardens of the Queen, Cuba – June 22-29, 2024
Author: The REEF Team
Meet our July Fish of the Month, the Leopard Blenny, Exallias brevis!
Survey Regions: The Leopard Blenny is found in the following REEF survey regions: Central-Indo Pacific (CIP), South Pacific (SOP), Indian Ocean & Red Sea (IORS), and Hawaii (HAW), where it is known as the Spotted Coral Blenny or Shortbodied Blenny. Click on each region to see the corresponding REEF database sightings report.
Size: They grow to about 5 inches (14 cm) long.
Identifying Features: Leopard Blennies are white with small spots covering their head, body, and fins. The spots are brown in females and juveniles, while males have brown spots on the head and chest, and red spots on the rest of the body. They have fringe-like cirri running across the nape and a branched tentacle above each eye. Their fins may also have a yellow or reddish pink cast.
Fun Facts: Leopard Blennies are typically found perching on shallow reefs, where they shelter among hard corals like branching coral or stony coral. Their unique leopard-like body pattern helps them blend into their surroundings, and they use the comb-like projections in their upper jaw to feed on their favorite food, live hard coral polyps.
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for our next Fish of the Month.
Photo by Florent Charpin.
