Thank you so much to everyone that donated during our summer matching campaign! We reached our goal, as REEF members donated more than $56,100 this summer to fund our critical programs. These donations were matched dollar for dollar, up to $55,000 by the Curtis and Edith Munson Foundation, the Henry Foundation, and the Pelton Charitable Foundation. From research on Grouper Moon to controlling invasive lionfish programs and discovering new species, REEF's programs are increasing knowledge of the unknown beneath our seas!
Hello and Happy Fall! In this issue of REEF-in-Brief, we remind you of the many ways to make dives that count, and share secrets for success in using the Online Data Entry program. While we still process paper survey scansheets, we highly recommend that our surveyors submit their data to the Volunteer Survey Project through the online program. Not only is it faster and more accurate, it requires less REEF staff resources and saves money on postage and paper.
Welcome to another edition of our e-newsletter, REEF-in-Brief. I want to personally thank the over 600 REEF members who donated during our Fall/Winter campaign. Through your generous support, we raised over $75,000. Donations from individuals are critical to helping ensure that we can continue critical marine conservation work. If you haven't given yet, please consider a contribution to REEF today.
Happy Summer, REEF Friends. We are excited to bring you this month's issue of REEF-in-Brief. As we approach the half-way mark of our Summer Funraising Campaign, we are about 1/3 of the way towards our goal of raising $60,000. Thanks to all who have already contributed. If you haven't yet donated, please consider doing so today. Because of a generous offer from the Curtis and Edith Munson Foundation, your contribution (and your impact) with be doubled! Funds raised during this campaign will ensure that REEF is able to continue our valuable marine conservation programs.
Dear Valued REEF Members,
Changing Seas, an original production of Miami’s public television station WPBT2, will host a live online screening event of Alien Invaders, the series’ latest episode focusing on the lionfish invasion in the Caribbean and Western Atlantic. Alien Invaders will be screened live on the Changing Seas website (www.changingseas.tv/webcast) on Thursday, June 2nd at 7:30 p.m. EST. During the screening, dive enthusiasts will have the opportunity to join an online chat with producers and the experts featured in the program.
As part of our 2012 Field Survey trip lineup, REEF Director of Special Projects, Lad Akins, is leading Lionfish Research trips to Belize and Dominica. If you haven't checked out our 2012 REEF Field Survey trip schedule - check it out online at www.REEF.org/trips. We have an exciting list of destinations planned.
Over 100 REEF Sustainers, marine conservationists, scientists, and prominent figures in the diving industry gathered in South Florida earlier this month to commemorate REEF's successes at the biennial REEF Sustainers Event. REEF Sustainers are donors who contribute at least $1,000 a year to support REEF's programs. REEF Board of Trustees and Staff welcomed our Sustainers and other invited guests to Mango Manor, the home of esteemed underwater photographer and REEF President, Paul Humann, for a day of presentations and camaraderie.
REEF’s 2016 Great Annual Fish Count (GAFC) brought together experienced and beginner fish watchers to count fish (and invertebrate) populations. Beginning fish ID classes were held, and then students were able to use their new skills out in the water during organized GAFC events. Participating groups and shops this year were based in several of REEF's regions, including the TWA, SAS, NE, CAL and PNW regions. The biggest GAFC events this year were held in our NE and California regions.
Be sure to check out the REEF online store for all of your holiday shopping needs! We have a great selection of field guide books, REEF surveying supplies, lionfish collecting gear, REEF swag, and the cutest collection of marine-themed plush animals! Shop today at www.REEF.org/store.