Putting It To Work: Who's Using REEF Data, July 2014

Every month, scientists, government agencies, and other groups request raw data from REEF’s Fish Survey Project database. Here is a sampling of who has asked for REEF data recently and what they are using it for:

- Scientists from NOAA’s Office of Protected Resources are using REEF data to evaluate populations of seabass and grouper in the Caribbean.

- A scientist from the University of Washington School of Marine and Environmental Affairs is using REEF data on fishes and invertebrates to evaluate MPAs in the Puget Sound.

The Faces of REEF: Janet Eyre

REEF members are at the heart of our grassroots marine conservation programs. Over 50,000 divers, snorkelers, students, and armchair naturalists stand behind our mission.

This month we highlight Janet Eyre. Janet has been a REEF member since 2002, and has conducted 1,125 surveys. She is on the Advanced Assessment Team as an Expert Surveyor in four of REEF’s regions! Janet happily describes herself as a true fish nerd, and she has taken a lead role in assisting with REEF’s expansions to the tropical western Pacific. Here's what Janet had to say about REEF:

Double Your Donation for REEF

There is one week left to DOUBLE YOUR DONATION, and we need $13,300 to reach our goal! Help REEF’s important marine conservation programs by donating to the largest matching campaign in our history. Please donate online today.

FL Keys: Carlos and Allison Presentation

Carlos and Allison will be presenting on the Starck Fish Biodiversity Study from the 1960s and giving a photographic and video tour of Alligator Lighthouse, Alligator Ledge, and the Eagle Wreck.

FL Keys: 100 Fish ID Eagle Wreck Dive

Eagle Wreck (advanced dive) & Shallow Reef Dive 

Eagle Wreck sits in 110 ft of water with the superstructure at 70 ft.  This is an advanced dive as seas can be rough & the current can be strong.  Nitrox is recommended for the 1st dive as is diving with a computer.

Fish sighted on the wreck: goliath grouper, jacks (horse eye, yellow, bar); atlantic spade fish, sunshine fish, purple reef fish, striped grunts, tomtates....

FL Keys: 100 Fish ID Group Dive

Alligator Ledge (2 hr dive, 1 tank / 100 Fish ID Dive)

Key Dives, 12:30 PM Check in

FL Keys: Fish ID Class: Eagle Wreck

Fish ID lecture focusing on common fish seen on The Eagle Wreck & nearby shallow reefs.  We will discuss habitat, diet, reproduction & cool facts of some of the fish found on the Eagle Wreck and nearby shallow reefs.  Discussion includes basic & advanced fish ID reviews to help you correctly identify the different species.

Lionfish Derby

Lionfish Derby

Third Annual Teeples Memorial Fort Lauderdale Lionfish Derby Breaks Records

At the break of dawn on July 19th, 56 ardent lionfish hunters set out to compete in the Third Annual Teeples Memorial Fort Lauderdale Lionfish Derby. The weather conditions were ideal, helping to make this derby one of the best yet. Vying for more than $3,500 in cash prizes, 14 participating teams brought in 557 lionfish to the 15th Street Fisheries dock during this sunrise to 5:00 pm event. This year’s catch broke the record for this tournament by a substantial 138 lionfish.

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