As you make resolutions and plans for the year ahead, why not consider a goal that benefits not only you, but our planet as well? In early 2022, we're launching the Conservation Challenge, a new initiative to encourage REEF members to dive deeper into citizen science. The goals are to learn about marine life, gather scientific data, and connect with a community of ocean lovers as you complete various challenges that support REEF's marine conservation mission. Most of the challenges can be completed during any time of year, and we’ll choose one (or more!) challenges to highlight each month.
Looking for guidance on how to get started with the REEF Volunteer Fish Survey Project (VFSP)? Check out the new REEF Surveyor Toolbox for tips, tricks, resources and materials. The page includes an overview of the VFSP and how to become a citizen scientist, the gear you need to get started surveying, and educational resources for each REEF survey region. Next time you're planning a dive trip to a new location, visit this page to see a list of field guides, survey papers, species reference lists, and more. Happy surveying!
To celebrate this festive time of year, our December 2021 Fish of the Month is the Tinsel Squirrelfish (Neoniphon suborbitalis)!*
REEF members are the heart of our grassroots marine conservation programs. A diverse community of divers, snorkelers, and ocean enthusiasts support our mission to conserve marine environments worldwide.
A new scientific paper with results from REEF's Invasive Species Program research was recently published in the journal Conservation Science and Practice. The findings shed light on the factors affecting invasive lionfish intervention success and efficiency and how to best incorporate these findings into local management for invasive species. As part of a multi-year study with funding from NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program and others, REEF and partners coordinated regional efforts by divers to cull invasive lionfish on 33 U.S.
REEF Co-Executive Director, Dr. Christy Pattengill-Semmens, was recently welcomed to the Women Divers Hall of Fame (WDHOF) in celebration of her achievements in ocean citizen science, education, and conservation. Although WDHOF was not able to hold their usual formal induction ceremony for Christy or the other five inductees of the Class of 2021 (or for the Class of 2020), Christy received her WDHOF pin in a short ceremony held at a DEMA awards dinner last month in Las Vegas.
2021 is winding down, and there are just a couple weeks left to complete the Super Surveyor Challenge! You can complete the challenge by conducting and submitting 25 REEF surveys from any region (or a combination of regions) in 2021. More than 100 volunteer snorkelers and divers have completed the challenge this year. You can see a list of everyone who has done so here.
REEF’s Grouper Moon Project was recently recognized with one of American Fisheries Society (AFS)'s highest honors, the William E. Ricker Resource Conservation Award. The Ricker Award is given annually, if warranted, to an individual or organization for a singular accomplishment or long-term contributions that advance aquatic resource conservation at a national or international level. The award was accepted on REEF's behalf by REEF Board member and longtime Grouper Moon scientist Dr. Scott Heppell at the annual AFS meeting last month.
It's hard to believe that it's already November. Before you know it, the holiday season will be in full swing. A traditional kick-off of the holidays is Giving Tuesday on November 30. After the bustle of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, Giving Tuesday is a day to give back to the community and causes you love. Would you mark your calendar now to celebrate with REEF on Giving Tuesday, November 30? Here are ten reasons to remember REEF on this annual day of giving:
One of our favorite ways to kick off the holiday season is by doing something meaningful for the planet. When you join a REEF Field Survey Trip, you have the opportunity to participate in the world's largest ocean citizen science effort, while learning more about marine life and making friends with others who share your passion. There are a few spaces available on our REEF Field Survey Trip to the Gardens of the Queen marine park in Cuba, coming up on Dec. 11-18.