Author: The REEF Team
A new year has begun, and as we look towards 2021 and beyond, citizen science and public engagement are essential for conservation success. If you have already given to REEF this winter, please know that we are very thankful for your generosity. If you have not yet contributed, will you consider making a donation now to ensure that REEF’s ocean conservation work can continue? You can visit www.REEF.org/donate to contribute securely online. If you can give $250 or more this winter, you will receive a limited edition, 11"x14" hand-numbered and signed print photographed by Paul Humann in Fiji. Thank you for your support throughout 2020. We look forward to another successful year of marine conservation with you!
Author: Christy Pattengill-Semmens, Ph.D., Co-Executive Director: Science & Engagement
Each winter since 2002, REEF has sent a team of researchers and volunteers to Little Cayman for the Grouper Moon Project. This collaborative research effort between REEF and the Cayman Islands Department of the Environment (CIDOE) conducts groundbreaking research to study the Nassau Grouper spawning aggregations, to help ensure recovery of the populations of this iconic and Critically Endangered species.
While the COVID-19 pandemic will prevent our US-based team from traveling to the Cayman Islands this year, Grouper Moon will continue. REEF scientists are working with our collaborators at CIDOE to develop a field plan and provide the training and equipment needed to field a team to conduct the usual monitoring activities Researchers will document the number of fish visiting the aggregation, as well as fish lengths. These data will help us better understand the dynamics and status of the Nassau Grouper population in the Cayman Islands. The team will also record spawning behavior and take photos that will be used to identify individual Nassau Grouper using facial recognition. In addition, they will maintain the autonomous monitoring equipment that is currently deployed at aggregation locations, including acoustic receivers and hydrographic instruments, which are used to document conditions at the sites year-round. Given the conservation impact of this long-term project, we are grateful that the work will continue. We look forward to returning to the Cayman Islands in 2022, to celebrate the Grouper Moon Project's 20th year!
The Grouper Moon Project is widely regarded as one of the best ocean conservation success stories, due in large part to science-based, proactive legislation passed by the Cayman Islands government. To find out more, visit www.REEF.org/groupermoonproject and view this documentary recently produced by Guy Harvey Expeditions. You can also check out this Alert Diver article written by REEF Board of Trustee members, Ned and Anna DeLoach.
Author: Christy Pattengill-Semmens, Ph.D., Co-Executive Director: Science & Engagement
Many have wondered REEF's Volunteer Fish Survey Project (VFSP) fared during a year when the COVID-19 pandemic made it challenging for many REEF volunteers to get in the water. We are pleased to share some good news from 2020:
- On April 1, 2020, the VFSP database surpased a quarter-million surveys. This is a significant milestone, not only for REEF and our worldwide community of ocean stewards, but for citizen science and marine conservation as a whole!
- Over 9,000 surveys were submitted in 2020, and of those, 7,609 were conducted in 2020. A huge shout out (and a bit of jealousy) to those who were able to get in the water.
- REEF data exports were provided to 22 partners from academic instututions, government agencies, and conservation nonprofits, to better understand and protect ocean populations.
- REEF data helped establish the conservation status of the world's largest and fastest sea star, by playing a role in determining whether the Sunflower Sea Star, Pycnopodia helianthoides, warranted listing on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Red List of Threatened Species. Thanks to the efforts of our volunteer surveyors, REEF contributed almost a third of the data used in the IUCN assessment, including data from 32,517 REEF surveys conducted at hundreds of sites between California and Alaska from 1998 to 2019, which included 18,035 records of the Sunflower Sea Star. The resulting analysis found a 90.6% decline in the species, and last month, the Sunflower Sea Star was placed on the IUCN Red List as Critically Endangered, just one step below extinction. Although this news is sad, it also demonstrates the importance of citizen science, especially in the face of increasing threats to the marine environment.
Want to become a citizen scientist with REEF? Anyone, regardless of age or experience, can complete a REEF survey and be a part of the Volunteer Fish Survey Project. Surveying is an empowering and educational way to make a difference while diving or snorkeling. REEF has everything you need to get started, plus plenty of online learning resources, including Fishinars and Quizlets. Go to www.REEF.org/vfsp for more info, or contact us at reefhq@REEF.org to get started.
Author: Janna Nichols, Citizen Science Program Manager
This year, as part of the Volunteer Fish Survey Project, join in the Super Surveyor Challenge! Everyone who conducts and submits 25 surveys during the calendar year will receive a limited-edition decal and be entered into the grand prize drawing at the end of the year.
Here's how to complete the Super Surveyor Challenge:
- Surveys must be conducted and submitted between Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2021.
- Surveys may be from a single REEF survey region or multiple REEF regions combined.
- Surveys can be done by diving or snorkeling.
- We will automatically tally the results at the end of each quarter.
New to REEF surveying? You don't have to be an expert to get started. Anyone can participate in the Volunteer Fish Survey Project, whether you are a beginner or an expert! View this short video to get started.
Author: Amy Lee, Engagement and Communications Manager
After a long year of staying at home, many people are eagerly anticipating their next dive trip. If you'd like to make some future plans, these 2021 REEF Trips have space available: June 19-26: San Salvador, The Bahamas, July 3-10: St. Eustatius, July 24-31: Gardens of the Queen, Cuba, October 2-9: Cayman Brac, November 6-13 : St. Croix, and December 4-11: Cozumel. REEF Field Surveys Trips help you grow your knowledge of marine life while interacting with others who share the same interests. Trips include a full dive schedule and educational fish ID classes. Some trips may be suitable for snorkelers as well. To register, contact trips@REEF.org or visit www.REEF.org/trips to learn more. We hope to see you on a REEF Trip this year!
Author: Amy Lee, Engagement and Communications Manager
We are very pleased to welcome our Spring 2021 Marine Conservation Interns to REEF. During the spring semester, they will support the REEF team by assisting with our marine conservation programs and non-profit operations. This semester’s interns bring a unique set of skills and interests to REEF. They include:
Sierra Barkdoll grew up outside of Baltimore, MD, minutes away from the Chesapeake Bay, where she developed a love for nature and aquatic environments. In the spring of 2020, she graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County with a B.S. in environmental science and geography, a minor in biology, and a GIS certificate. In college, Sierra was involved in sailing and SCUBA diving clubs, which led her to pursue a career in marine conservation. She spent a summer in The Bahamas' North Andros where she studied threats to the critically endangered Bahama Oriole. This became one of the most treasured experiences in Sierra’s undergraduate career, as she loved being able to contribute to the scientific community while helping to protect an endangered species. At REEF, Sierra hopes to develop her conservation skills further and apply them to REEF’s programs.
Mikayla Carrier is studying Biology at Scripps College and plans to graduate in the spring of 2021. She grew up in Michigan and moved to California as a sophomore in high school to attend Thacher, a boarding school, where her love for science prospered. In college, Mikayla became interested in biochemistry and joined a lab to research modified-DNA synthesis. After getting scuba certified, she decided to explore marine science and traveled to the Turks and Caicos to expand her knowledge on marine ecosystems. Through the School for Field Studies, she participanted in projects to assess the abundance of Queen Conch inside and outside a Marine Protected Area, and also completed an independent study on South Caicos’ Nassau Grouper stock health by analyzing historical data. Mikayla is excited to be a part of the REEF team and is looking forward to interacting with the REEF community to help conserve our underwater world! In her free time, she enjoys playing guitar, volunteering with animal shelters, and camping.
Summer Huber grew up in northern Indiana near Lake Michigan. She graduated from Purdue University in December 2020 with a B.S. in biology. While in college, she conducted research on the effects of microplastics on several zooplankton and fish species in the fish ecology lab. She also attended a study abroad trip in Belize where she learned about lionfish collection and dissection, explored ancient Mayan ruins, and engaged in marine conservation projects. Summer is also interested in veterinary medicine and has worked at a veterinary clinic, volunteered at Purdue’s veterinary teaching hospital, and took multiple animal science courses and labs throughout college. In the future, Summer plans to attend graduate school and study marine biology and ecology. She is thankful for the opportunity to intern with REEF, and is ready to advocate for marine life, participate in outreach events, and learn about non-profit organizations.
Mackenzie Kawahara is an aspiring marine biologist from Manhattan Beach, CA. She was raised from a young age to follow the concept of ‘malama aina,’: an ancient Hawaiian philosophy that seeks to understand and respect the relationship between humans and the land and sea. Mackenzie recently graduated from the University of California, Davis with a B.S. in marine and coastal science and a minor in Japanese. While at UC Davis, she was involved in several research laboratories and several marine animal husbandry positions. She has also worked as a children's gymnastics coach since high school. Mackenzie is interested in a career that involves researching how corals respond to and recover from anthropogenic stressors and marine infectious diseases. With REEF, she is excited to expand her diving skills and participate in education and outreach programs to combine her passions for marine biology and teaching.
Our interns are a vital part of REEF and we couldn’t accomplish our work without them. For more information about the Marine Conservation Internship or to apply for an upcoming semester, visit www.REEF.org/internship.
Author: Maddi Piascik, Events & Communications Lead Intern
REEF is proud to highlight one of our outstanding Conservation Partners: Amoray Dive Center in Key Largo. REEF Conservation Partners are active organizations and dive shops committed to protecting marine environments worldwide. As valued REEF ambassadors, they serve as centers for marine conservation actions, outreach, and education. You can view the full listing of Conservation Partners or register your organization as a REEF Conservation Partner here.
In what ways do you participate with REEF’s main programs?
At Amoray Dive Center LLC, professional scientists teach various REEF programs as part of the new Amory Marine Conservation Team (AMCT). Guests may participate in the REEF Volunteer Fish Survey Project and Invasive Species Program courses as well as conduct fish survey dives alongside a team of professional marine biologists. AMCT is the only dive operator in Key Largo with Ph.D. level scientists available for guided programs and lectures.
What other actions do you take to promote marine conservation?
Amoray Dive Center teaches REEF educational programs and shares other conservation information about programs and opportunities with guests. They invite divers and snorkelers to join their science team in participating in scientific research by helping to collect data and information. AMCT also promotes conservation and environmental awareness to the general public through social media.
How can REEF members get involved with your dive shop/organization?
Interested members can get involved with the Amoray Marine Conservation Team (AMCT) by participating in a scuba or snorkel citizen science program, booking a guided dive or snorkel, booking one of our 10 marine conservation PADI specialty courses, or by requesting a custom lecture with one of our professional marine biologists. Members of the public can also help our conservation efforts by sharing the AMCT website and YouTube channel. You can also contact the dive shop at 305-451-3595 for more information on dive packages offered with the AMCT.
Author: Janna Nichols, Citizen Science Program Manager
REEF volunteers wrapped up 2020 with amazing energy and enthusiasm. Check out these 20 in 2020 Challenge achievements and recent Experience Level advancements. Our volunteer citizen scientists are top-notch!
20 in 2020 Challenge Results
115 people conducted and submitted 20 or more surveys during the year to complete the 20 in 2020 Challenge! Many people rediscovered and ramped up their local diving while international travel was on hold. For every 20 surveys submitted, each person received one special challenge decal and an entry into a drawing for a grand prize.
Don Noviello of Washington State was the lucky grand prize winner. Don will receive a book of his choice from our online store, a new Volunteer Fish Survey Project shirt, and a neck gaiter. Congratulations to Don, and thanks to everyone who participated!
Here's the tally of those who completed the challenge and the number of surveys they did in 2020:
|
Cassandra Neal 379
Peter Leahy 304
Don Gordon 201
Kim White 185
Chuck Curry 145
Diana Gevers 141
Kara Curry 139
Mona & Gary Wirth 136
Rocio Bunker 134
Judith Cucco 122
Nick Brilliande 122
Dennis Bensen 115
Ed Gullekson 106
Gail Roberts 104
Lillian Kenney 102
Herb Gruenhagen 101
Joe Mangiafico 99
Pat Richardson 98
Kathie Comerford 94
Fred Hartner 91
Sue Langston 88
Kat Fenner 81
Deborah Cacace 79
Rhoda Green 79
Will Ribbens 74
Callie Mack 66
Marta Bonatz 64
Frank Krasovec 61
Marta Zahalak 61
|
Carmen Toanchina 60
James McKay 60
Paul Bonatz 59
Marsha Davis 56
Mike Snow 56
Alice Ribbens 55
Janet Camp 54
Karen Bogart 54
Tracey Griffin 54
Annette Felix 51
Amy Lee 50
Marilyn Bentley 50
Robert Bentley 50
Shaina Michael 50
Daryl Duda 49
Mary Adams 49
Pieter Booth 49
Jennifer Walker 47
Christa Anderson 46
David Meyer 46
Jonathan Lavan 45
Amy Newfield 44
Dave Grenda 44
John A. McDonald 43
Sue Manning 43
Janet Eyre 42
Tabitha Jacobs-Mangiafico 41
Ron Wolfe 40
Siena McKim 38 |
Jason Feick 36
Loralee Byrnes 36
Angela Steinway 34
Louise Rutter 34
David Ehlert 33
Doug Harder 33
Doug Miller 33
Robin Webster 33
Tammy Coble 33
Perry Webster 32
Robert Reavis 32
Jackie Myers 31
Pam Wade 31
Derek Coffman 30
Dorothy Norris 29
David Novo 28
Don McCoy 28
Madalyn Mussey 28
Carol Cox 27
Melanie Moreno 27
Desiree Bell 26
* Don Noviello 26
MJ Farr 26
Stephanie Letourneau 26
David Thompson 25
Lara Webster 25
Tiffany Poon 25
Gordon Bell 24
Kerry Ach 24 |
Lindsay Hurst 24
Luis Fernandez 24
Ann Johnson 23
Claude Nichols 23
Janna Nichols 23
Jill Hearne 23
Leslie Kopietz 23
Luanne Betz 23
Richard Olson 23
Robert Brennan 23
Carol Cline 22
Eric Vanderlaan 22
Gregg Cline 22
Mimi Hayakawa 22
Corey Leamy 21
Hannah Tilley 21
John Smajdek 21
Michele Doucet 21
Curtis Johnson 20
Eric Becker 20
Erik Neugaard 20
Georgia Arrow 20
Juan Vanegas 20
Michael Fausnaugh 20
Molly Myers 20
Natasha McCluhan 20
Peter Krottje 20
Todd Cliff 20 |
Experience Level Advancements
REEF Experience Levels are a way for divers and snorkelers to measure and demonstrate their fish ID knowledge along with their surveying experience. With 5 levels in each of REEF's survey regions, divers and snorkelers can continuously improve their skills.
Let's clap our fins for these REEF members who recently advanced an Experience Level:
California (CAL)
- Rocio Bunker - Level 5
- Laura Varela - Level 2
- Rithy Chhean - Level 2
- Fei-cheang Law - Level 2
- Cynthia Gerken - Level 2
- Zuzanna Swirad - Level 2
- Brock Blankenship - Level 2
- Timothy Paylor - Level 2
- Kenley Prober - Level 2
- Ian Schneier - Level 2
- Matthias Scheer - Level 2
- Jessalyn Chiu - Level 2
Hawaii (HAW)
Northeast US & Eastern Canada (NE)
- Michele Doucet - Level 2
- Alison Kruk - Level 2
South Pacific (SOP)
Tropical Eastern Pacific (TEP)
- Will Ribbens - Levels 2 & 3
- Shaina Michael - Levels 2 & 3
- James McKay - Levels 2 & 3
Tropical Western Atlantic (TWA)
- Carmen Toanchina - Level 4
- James McKay - Level 3
- Shaina Michael - Level 3
- Michele Doucet - Level 3
- Gabriela Tejeda - Level 2 (REEF Marine Conservation Intern)
- Dara Albrecht - Level 2 (REEF Marine Conservation Intern)
- Melanie Farrell - Level 2 (REEF Marine Conservation Intern)
- Alyssa Fogel - Level 2 (REEF Marine Conservation Intern)
- Dominique Bowleg - Level 2
- Natalie Goulett - Level 2
- Eric Becker - Level 2
Author: The REEF Team
Introducing our first Fish of the Month for 2021, the Bignose Unicornfish (Naso vlamingii)!
Survey Regions: Bignose Unicornfish are found throughout REEF's Central Indo Pacific (CIP), South Pacific (SOP), and Indian Ocean and Red Sea (IORS) survey regions. You can check out the REEF database reports for each region, including CIP, SOP, and IORS.
Size: When fully grown, they can reach nearly 2 feet.
Identifying Features: Bignose Unicornfish can be shades of brown, blue, or gray. They have blue lips and a blue band in front of their eyes, with blue lines and spots on their bodies. They can also rapidly lighten or darken their colors and markings.
Fun Facts: Bignose Unicornfish are members of the Surgeonfish family. The Surgeonfish family name comes from the sharp spines located on their tail base. These Unicornfish have two sets of spines, which are said to be as sharp as a surgeon's scalpel.
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for our next Fish of the Month!
[Photo by Paul Humann]
