The Faces of REEF: Dana Kowalsick

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.

This month we highlight Dana Kowalsick, a REEF member who lives in Bonaire. She is a Level 5 Surveyor in the Tropical Western Atlantic (TWA) survey region, where she has conducted more than 100 REEF surveys! In addition, last year she was one of the most active surveyors in the TWA region! We are proud to feature Dana this month and are thankful that she is part of REEF!

Welcome New Staff: Carolyn Corley, Education Coordinator

We are excited to welcome Carolyn Corley to the REEF staff team as an Education Coordinator. You may recognize Carolyn, as she served as a REEF Marine Conservation Fellow for Education & Outreach from August 2023 to June 2024. During the summer of 2023, she participated in the REEF Marine Conservation Internship program as the 2023 Dr. Jamie L. King REEF Marine Conservation Intern through Our World Underwater Scholarship Society. Carolyn graduated in May 2023 from the University of San Diego with a B.S.

Into the Blue Book Club - July

REEF Into the Blue Book Club will discuss our latest book selection, Why Sharks Matter: A Deep Dive with the World's Most Misunderstood Predator by David Shiffman.

All are invited to join in this meeting, whether you have read the book or not. For more details about Into the Blue Book Club, visit www.REEF.org/bookclub.

This meeting will be led by Hilary Penner, REEF Education and Conservation Programs Manager, and Carolyn Corley, REEF Education Coordinator.

Citizen Science Corner: April - June 2024 Achievements

Welcome to the 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, 2024.

Juvenile Hamlet Award

The Juvenile Hamlet Award is for individuals who have conducted 500+ REEF surveys. Congratulations to our latest Juvenile Hamlet Club members:

2024 Florida Keys Lionfish Collecting & Handling Workshop

The 2024 Florida Keys Lionfish Collecting & Handling Workshop is OPEN!

Monday, August 12 - Key Dives, 85960 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036 *New Location*

Wednesday, August 14 - Looe Key Reef Resort, 27340 Overseas hwy, Ramrod Key, FL 33042

Workshop Waiver

Nevis Field Survey Trip

The charming island of Nevis is known for its quiet villages, lush green mountains, and tranquil beaches. Nevis is separated from its sister island, St. Kitts, by a two-mile stretch of water known as the Narrows, home to interesting marine life like barracudas, eagle rays, and other fish. The leeward and windward sides of the island have plenty of variety including reefs, wrecks, and volcanic vents to explore. The picturesque topside scenery of this quaint Caribbean island makes this the ideal destination for both divers and non-divers to enjoy.

Gearing Up for the Great Annual Fish Count

Dive into citizen science this summer by joining in the Great Annual Fish Count (GAFC)! Every July, divers and snorkelers are invited to participate in this initiative to learn about marine life and conduct REEF surveys as part of the Volunteer Fish Survey Project. Individuals and groups can organize their own GAFC events, from survey dives to fish ID classes. Some even add to the fun by offering prizes, hosting socials, and more!

REEF Surveyors Capture First Live Photo of Rare, Endemic Blenny in Cayman Islands

In October 2022, a group of REEF surveyors found and photographed the rare, endemic Fork-bar Blenny, Starksia y-lineata, during a REEF Field Survey Trip to Grand Cayman. Trip leader and REEF Education Manager Madalyn "Moose" Mussey initially found the fish while diving at Sunset House. She also captured the first live photograph of the species, pictured above.

Great Annual Fish Count with New England Aquarium Dive Club, Gloucester, MA

Join the New England Aquarium Dive Club for the 21st Northeast Great Annual Fish Count, the largest fish survey event in North America!

Survey fish to win outstanding prizes and help collect important data for marine conservation research. Following the dives, gather for a celebration where there will be a picnic, group photo, and raffle.

There are multiple dive locations. Pre-registration is required. 

Post-dive celebration: Stage Fort Park, Gloucester, MA, 11:00am - 4pm. $8 donation for lunch.

Great Annual Fish Count with John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, North Palm Beach, FL

For this Great Annual Fish Count event, gather at the beautiful John D. MacArthur Beach State Park for a REEF fish survey dive or snorkel! After the survey, feel free to stick around for a light lunch provided by the park!

Morning check-in for the survey dive/snorkel is at 8:00am - 8:15am at the outdoor ampitheater located inside the park.

Please bring your own dive/snorkel gear and survey supplies. 

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