Twenty-seven surveyors have met our 20 in 2020 Challenge by conducting and submitting at least 20 surveys this year. The challenge is ongoing throughout 2020 and there's still plenty of time to join in. Everyone who completes the challenge gets a special decal and is entered into a drawing for a prize! You can check out more details on the webpage here.
Have you conducted and submitted 20 surveys in 2020? If so, email 202020@REEF.org and let us know!
These REEF members are moving up in the world! This past month we've had a number of Experience Level advancements by folks who have been busy conducting surveys and learning how to identify fish. This list includes people from:
Last year, REEF's Volunteer Fish Survey Project began collecting data in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea, and this year we are looking forward to our inagural Field Survey Trip to the Red Sea. The calm, clear waters of the Red Sea are known to be a kaleidoscope of colorful fish and soft coral life. Our first Field Survey Trip to this area will focus on diving in the southern Red Sea's coral gardens, walls, and lagoons, including sites like St. John's and Fury Shoal.
Last month we successfully conducted our 19th year of the Grouper Moon Project. Around the winter full moons each year, our field team joins forces in the Cayman Islands to study one of the last remaining, and largest currently known, spawning aggregations of the endangered Nassau Grouper. Since 2001, REEF and the Cayman Islands Department of Environment have collaborated on this project.
To celebrate our sustaining donors and most active volunteer surveyors, we annually host REEF by the Sea during the first weekend in March. This year's celebration took place earlier this month in San Diego, California. This invitation-only event included three days of presentations, socials, and guided tours of facilities around the Scripps Institution of Oceanography campus.
Just in time for St. Patrick's Day, meet March's Fish of the Month, the Horseshoe-tailed Dottyback (Pseudochromis tapeinosoma)!
Over 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 Catie Alves. Read on to hear about Catie's time at REEF, and how her internship with REEF helped to shape her career.
When were you a REEF intern?
Summer and Fall 2013
REEF Ocean Explorers Summer Camp will immerse campers into an ocean of learning and fun! Explorers will be exposed to the natural world of the Florida Keys and all of its amazing creatures during a week filled with creative activities and adventures. Each week of camp will include snorkeling, kayaking, science-based activities, special visits, and other outdoor adventures!
Camp sessions are Monday - Friday, 9am - 3pm. Four days of each week are hosted at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and one day is hosted at Island Dolphin Care, both located in Key Largo, Florida.
Take the challenge!
Conduct and submit 20 surveys this year and you'll have completed REEF's 20 in 2020 Challenge. You can do the surveys in any of REEF's worldwide regions, or combination thereof. Once you've submitted your surveys, you'll be sent a decal with the logo on it, and be entered into a grand prize drawing to be held at the end of the year. You'll also have the opportunity to purchase a limited-edition "20 in 2020 Challenge" rash guard.
Exploring new dive sites has always fascinated me. Even if it’s a site that I’ve dived a hundred times, the idea of finding something new always intrigues me. Since joining REEF, I have also become interested in fish identification and it has completely changed how I explore a new site. Now I think, “what species of fish could I find diving here?” I always have an eye out for new potential dives sites or places I could find a species of fish I have never seen. I think this mindset fits well with the “explore” and “discover” parts of REEF’s tagline - “Explore. Discover.
