For nearly three decades, REEF has welcomed more than 150 young adults to the REEF Campus to spend a semester immersed in marine conservation projects. This month, we highlight former Marine Conservation Intern Julia Walker. Read on to hear about Julia's time at REEF, and how her REEF internship helped to shape her career.
When were you a REEF intern?
I was a REEF intern in the fall of 2017, from September to December.
Here to brighten up your week, May's Fish of the Month is the Sunshinefish (Chromis insolata)!
This month, REEF is proud to highlight one of our outstanding Conservation Partners: Ancora Scuba, located in the Gainesville, Florida, area. REEF Conservation Partners are active organizations and dive shops dedicated to protecting marine environments. As valued REEF ambassadors, they teach fish ID classes, host survey dives, organize volunteer events and more.
Cozumel is known for its many unique fish finds including the Cozumel-endemic Splendid Toadfish as well as high concentrations of other interesting species like Cherubfish, Blackcap Basslets, and Sargassum Triggerfish. When not diving, you will enjoy all the wonderful food and culture that Mexico has to offer, as well as daily seminars by Cozumel local and fish id expert Tracey Griffin. Reserve your spot today because this popular trip is sure to sell out quickly.
St. Vincent is known as the muck diving capital of the Caribbean. That doesn't mean that the water is always silty though - the leeward shore of the island typically has visibility up to 100 feet due to the presence of volcanic, granite-based sand that falls quickly when stirred. Surveyors hunting for "bucket list" fish species are in luck; the staff at Dive St. Vincent have a knack for finding small, cryptic species like frogfish, seahorses and more. The island has dramatic topside topography as well, making it a scenic location to enjoy during surface intervals.
With its mountainous desert landscapes, rocky reefs, and pinnacles, Baja is a favorite destination for REEF surveyors. This special charter is only offered only three times each year and provides a rare opportunity to explore both the northern and southern Sea of Cortez over a 12-night span.
The calm, clear waters of the Red Sea are a kaleidoscope of colorful fish, including many endemic species, and vibrant soft coral life. This special charter is a one-way crossing that offers a unique opportunity to explore many different areas of the Red Sea. The trip begins in Hurghada, in the northern Red Sea, includes diving around the Brothers Islands, and disembarks in Port Ghaleb in the south, allowing opporuntities to explore the southern Red Sea's coral gardens, walls, and lagoons.
Located on St. Lucia's southwestern coast, Anse Chastanet has beautiful views of the ocean and the Pitons, two peaks rising up from the sea. The entire region is a protected marine area and excellent, easily accessible beach diving is available directly in front of the resort. When not diving or snorkeling, guests can enjoy sea kayaking, jungle biking, yoga and sailing. Anse Chastanet is an environmentally-conscious, luxury resort with plenty of amenities and delicious food, making it a great destination for divers, snorkelers, and non-diving companions.
This article from a local news outlet in the Cayman Islands summarizes some initial findings from the 2020 Grouper Moon Project.
