Welcome to Citizen Science Corner, our quarterly feature to celebrate those who recently reached a milestone in our Volunteer Fish Survey Project. Here are achievements from April, May and June 2023:
Golden Hamlet Award
Congratulations to Kara Curry, Janet Camp, and Ed Gullekson and Carol Cox for reaching 1000 surveys and joining the Golden Hamlet Club! Check out this article to read more about them.
Juvenile Hamlet Award
Our annual summer fundraising match is underway! Now through August 8, all donations to REEF are matched dollar for dollar, up to $70,000! You can make a donation securely online at www.REEF.org/donate. When you give to REEF, you are supporting citizen science, education, and research to protect the marine environment and connect people to our oceans. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to have our donation doubled!
REEF Fest is happening on October 19-22, 2023 in Key Largo, Florida, and you're invited to join us! This annual celebration of marine conservation includes ocean seminars, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, socials and more. Registration is open now, and you can see all the details and sign up here. We are excited to welcome some amazing guest speakers at REEF Fest this year, including:
Exotic and invasive species are those that are not native to an area, but have been brought in through human activities. Non-native marine fishes can pose a major threat to fisheries, habitats, native species, and overall ecosystem function. The REEF Invasive Species Program uses conservation science, research, education, and community outreach to raise awareness about these threats. Here are four ways you can get involved:
REEF Field Survey Trips are eco-vacations led by marine life experts. Each trip features daily dives and fish ID classes for both beginners and experienced surveyors. If you're not a diver, snorkelers are also welcome! Visit www.REEF.org/trips for more details. To book your space, email trips@REEF.org. Check out some of our upcoming trips with open spaces, including:
Education is typically thought of as taking place in a classroom, but through the REEF Ocean Explorers Education Program, learning can happen in unexpected places - like music festivals, craft breweries, and art classes! As a Marine Conservation Intern last fall, and in my current role as Education & Outreach Fellow, I have many opportunities to participate in public education, community outreach, and events. Community outreach is important for REEF because it enables us to connect with a wide range of audiences, including different age groups, backgrounds, and interests.
The REEF Conservation Challenge is a fun way to earn collectible stickers while getting involved in marine conservation and citizen science. Did you know that you can participate in the Conservation Challenge by doing any of the following activities:
•Visiting the REEF Campus in Key Largo, Florida
• Watching a Fishinar
• Attending REEF Fest
• Sending us a photo of you wearing REEF swag
• Conducting a REEF survey in any region
• Attending a REEF Field Survey Trip
Get hooked on surveying fish by joining in the Great Annual Fish Count (GAFC)! Every July, divers and snorkelers from all over the world participate in this monthlong initiative to learn about marine fish identification and conducting REEF surveys. Individuals and groups can organize their own surveying or fish ID events, and some even add to the fun by incorporating raffles, cookouts, and more! If that sounds like a fun way to spend a summer day this July, check out the GAFC calendar to find an event near you.
REEF online programs are free and open to everyone! Here's what's coming up this month:
Fishinar: Fun Fishes to Look For in Roatan
Monday, June 19, 8pm EDT
Click here to register.
Roatan is home to some lesser-seen fish species, if you know where to look! Learn how to locate and identify some of the interesting species that can be found there.
We are excited to welcome our Summer 2023 Marine Conservation Interns to REEF! They will assist with education, outreach, events, and daily operations around the REEF Campus in Key Largo, Florida. Pictured from left to right are Carolyn Corley, Shalini Thinakaran, and Brian Chansky. Here's a bit more about them:
