For nearly three decades, REEF has welcomed more than 150 young adults to the REEF Campus to spend a semester immersed in marine conservation projects. This month, we highlight former Marine Conservation Intern Colin Howe. Read on to learn about how his time at REEF shaped his career path.
When were you a REEF intern?
I was a REEF Intern in the fall of 2013.
Many hands and minds make easy work when building lionfish traps! Over the past six months, REEF staff and interns have dived into the NOAA Saltonstall-Kennedy funded Deepwater Lionfish Trap Project, with partners including Tom Matthews, Emily Hutchinson and Sam Hagedorn (FWC), Steve Gittings (NOAA Marine Sanctuaries), Alex Fogg (Coast Watch Alliance), Holden Harris (University of Florida), Rachel Bowman, Peter Angelotti, ReefSave and Lionfish University.
Our cornerstone citizen science program is called the Volunteer Fish Survey Project, but did you know that REEF surveyors also record sea turtle sightings in all oceans? As part of this global citizen science marine life monitoring program, REEF volunteers have reported sea turtle sightings since 2001. This dataset was recently used as one of several sources of information to study sea turtles in an unexpected location, southern California.
We are excited to share a new scientific paper that was published in the journal Global Change Biology last month. Researchers used REEF’s Volunteer Fish Survey Project database to answer crucial questions about the impacts of invasive lionfish as their range expands into new areas, such as Brazil. It is well known that predation by lionfish affects native fish populations, and this impact is likely exacerbated in certain vulnerable species.
REEF's online programs are free and open to everyone! Here's what is coming up over the next several weeks:
Fishinar: Eels of Hawaii
Monday, July 19 at 8pm EDT
Join us for tips and tricks to identify the Eels of Hawaii with expert surveyors Ron Wolfe and Dennis Bensen. Whether you're an avid Hawaii surveyor, or just looking to expand your knowledge on Hawaii's marine life, this Fishinar will be lots of fun!
Register here.
There's still time to enter REEF's 2021 'Discover the Sea' Photography Contest! You may submit up to three photos in each of the five categories: fish portrait, macro, invertebrates, REEF themed, and reefscape/habitat. Photos may be submitted until July 31. Photos will be judged using a popular vote, beginning on August 2. Winning photos will be featured on REEF’s website, social media and other communications channels. For complete details including rules and policies, visit this page.
[Photo by Bryant Turffs]
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.
Introducing our July 2021 Fish of the Month, the Hawaiian Whitespotted Toby (Canthigaster jactator))!
You’re invited to REEF’s Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Festival! This year’s event is taking place on Sept. 9-12, 2021, and features two full days of lionfish hunting, followed by a family-friendly festival hosted at Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina in Islamorada. Click here for all the details.
All are invited to join us for REEF Fest 2021 on October 14-17 in Key Largo, Florida! REEF Fest is the perfect opportunity to experience the underwater world of the Florida Keys by diving, snorkeling, or kayaking. You can join REEF staff and marine life experts on the mornings of Friday, October 15 and Saturday, October 16, as we explore diverse ocean habitats like coral reefs and mangrove trails.
