Last month, REEF kicked off our 2018 Lionfish Derby series at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in Miami. Four teams competed on June 9 and 10 to bring in a total of 309 fish. The largest lionfish caught was 411mm (just over 16 inches) and the smallest was 112mm (about 4.5 inches.) We have two more derbies coming up this month - in Sarasota at Mote Marine Lab and Aquarium on July 6 - 8, and in Ft. Lauderdale at 15th St. Fisheries on July 13 - 14, and a few more later this summer and fall.
Want to 'talk fish' with other REEF fish ID enthusiasts? We've created eight regional groups on Facebook so you can connect with others, share your photos and observations, ask questions, etc. Whether you're brand new to the world of fishwatching, or have been doing it for years, all REEF members are welcome. Join as many as you like.
We are in the midst of our annual summer fundraising campaign, and are excited to share that thanks to the generosity of three longtime supporters, all donations made this summer will be matched dollar for dollar! We are so grateful for everyone who has already contributed to our summer fundraising campaign, enabling us to continue our marine conservation work.
We are excited to welcome a new member of the REEF staff! Alli Candelmo joined the team this week as the Invasive Species Program Coordinator. She comes to REEF with a wealth of experience in field biology, education, and conservation.
Alli attended Rutgers University where she obtained a Ph. D. in Ecology and Evolution.
We are happy to welcome four new Marine Conservation Interns to REEF. These individuals will play a vital role in the organization by assisting with numerous summer projects including Lionfish Derbies and Ocean Explorers Summer Camp, while working to support daily office operations and other mission-oriented tasks. They will also have many opportunities to dive, conduct fish surveys, and volunteer with environmental organizations in South Florida and the Florida Keys. Each group of interns brings a unique perspective and skill set to REEF. Our Summer 2018 interns include:
Kick off your summer by joining us for the Miami Lionfish Derby on June 10! We are excited to be hosting this event in partnership with Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. Thank you to Whole Foods Market® for sponsoring our 2018 Lionfish Derby Series.
Below is a schedule of events for this weekend's Miami Lionfish Derby. We hope to see you there!
Friday, June 8: Captain's Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. This meeting is mandatory for all derby participants.
Tune in this month for two new Fishinars, including:
Thursday, June 7: World Oceans Day: Celebrating 25 years of the VFSP, taught by Ellie Place
Thursday, June 21: Common Fishes of the Tropical Eastern Pacific, taught by Christy Semmens
REEF is made up of passionate members who champion for our oceans and contribute their time and talents to preserving our environment. Many have been members for years and a few recently departed, before their time. We gratefully acknowledge these individuals and their family’s desire to recognize the importance of REEF in their lives by designating REEF as a recipient of donations in lieu of flowers.
Darcy Mellen-Sullivan, Naples, FL
John Craig Nunez, Anacortes, WA
Michael Kevin Forgatch, Palm Beach, FL.