CRF AND REEF HOST SUCCESSFUL FIRST-EVER "CORALS IN & LIONFISH OUT"
More than $1,000.00 raised to support marine conservation in the Florida Keys
The Coral Restoration Foundation (CRF) and Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) teamed up during the second week of September for “Corals In and Lionfish Out,” a series of events to engage and educate the public while raising funds for coral restoration and invasive lionfish removal efforts in the Florida Keys.
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.
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....
Alligator Ledge (2 hr dive, 1 tank / 100 Fish ID Dive)
Key Dives, 12:30 PM Check in
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.
Date of Event: July 26
Location: Jupiter Dive Center
How to sign up: call Jupiter Dive Center at 561-745-7807 or email lisa@jupiterdivecenter.com
Instructor Heather Anderson
Fish ID class, followed by lunch and a 2 tank survey dive.
8:15 AM Road Trip to Blue Heron Bridge for a Shore Dive to find unusual critters: batfish, fly gurnards, sea horses, frogfish, jawfish.....
This is a 1 tank (90-120 minute shallow shore dive (<25 ft)). You will need a Diver Down Flag. You can rent the flag/tanks/weights/other gear at Force E Scuba Center (155 E Blue Heron Blvd, Riviera Beach, FL. 561-845-2333)
Check out on Facebook: Blue Heron Dive Club to see the latest critters sighted.
Address for shore dive: Phil Foster State Park, 900 East Blue Heron Boulevard, Riviera Beach, FL 33404
8 AM Check In at Islamorada Dive Center (MM 84): Wall Dive (Great Hammerhead sighted regularly on this reef) & at Patch Reef. Call IDC to reserve your spot: 305 664 3483, tell them you are with the REEF Fish ID Group. Email Allison to confirm your participation (allison.carlos@me.com)
12 PM Check In at Key Dives (MM 80): Alligator Ledge (2 hr dive / 100 Fish ID). Call Key Dives to sign up 305 664 2211. Identify yourself as a REEF Fish ID member. Email Allison to confirm your participation (allison.carlos@me.com)
12 PM Check In: Davis Reef (2 hr dive/ 100 fish) with IDC (Islamorada Dive Center)
