KEY LARGO, Fla. – The Reef Environmental Education Foundation has adapted its popular classroom course into a home study DVD package aimed at beginning “fishwatchers.” Reef Fish Identification – A Beginning Course teaches the basics of “fishwatching,” including identification of 50 commonly sighted species found in the tropical western Atlantic. A waterproof fish identification booklet, underwater survey slate and REEF survey materials are included. The DVD course is available online at www.REEF.org and at dive retailers and resorts.
The course was recently unveiled at DEMA Show 2007, the dive industry’s largest trade show. The one-hour DVD is a joint production between New World Publications and ReefNet. Proceeds from sales of the product will help support the REEF Volunteer Survey Project, REEF’s flagship citizen science program that enlists volunteer divers and snorkelers to conduct marine life surveys that help scientists make informed resource management decisions.
Designed as a self-study tool, the DVD may also be used by dive instructors in conjunction with marine life identification dive specialty courses and through REEF’s Field Station Program. Field Stations include dive operators, National Marine Sanctuaries, National Parks, non-profit organizations, public aquaria and other ocean science and conservation related institutions that serve as satellite REEF resource centers to promote the Volunteer Survey Project.
REEF was founded in 1990 out of growing concern about the health of the marine environment, and the desire to provide the scuba diving community a wa to contribute to the understanding and protection of marine life populations. REEF volunteers have assisted with monitoring projects at National Marine Sanctuaries, National Parks, state research sites and international marine areas. For more information on REEF, please visit www.REEF.org.
###