Growing up to eight feet long and weighing more than 800 pounds, the Goliath Grouper (Epinephelus itajara) is one of the largest grouper species in the world. Goliath Grouper are considered Critically Endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and have been protected from harvest in US waters since 1990, after decades of heavy fishing caused a near extinction of the species.
2021 marks the second annual REEF Fish Out of Water 5K. This article highlights some fun aspects of the event and how to participate.
REEF's Volunteer Fish Survey Project database totals almost 260,000 surveys. A small group of highly dedicated surveyors, known as the Golden Hamlet Club, have contributed significantly to this total by each conducting 1,000 or more REEF surveys. It's with great excitement that we welcome Cassandra Neal to the Golden Hamlet Club!
Introducing our June 2021 Fish of the Month, the Greater Soapfish, Rypticus saponaceus!
REEF's online programs are free and open to everyone! Here's what is coming up over the next several weeks:
Into the Blue Book Club Meeting
Thursday, June 10 at 8pm EDT
Into the Blue Book Club brings together readers who love the ocean. At this meeting, we will be discussing our June book selection, Into the Planet by legendary cave diver Jill Heinerth. Jill is also attending the meeting for a Q&A!
Register here.
We recently welcomed our Summer 2021 Marine Conservation Interns to REEF. They will support the REEF team by assisting with events, education and outreach programs, and daily operations around the REEF Campus. This semester’s interns bring a unique set of skills and interests to REEF. They include:
This article highlights some of the ways that the Upper Keys community has adressed the invasive lionfish, including REEF's 8th Annual Earth Day "Locals" Lionfish Derby held on April 23-25, 2021 in Key Largo.
East Pacific Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) have undergone substantial population recovery over the last two decades because of comprehensive protection at nesting beaches and foraging areas. Starting in 2014 in southern California (United States), at the northern end of their range, Green Sea Turtles have been seen in more areas and in greater numbers. A resident population of Green Sea Turtles has established near La Jolla Shores (off San Diego Country), a protected site with daily marine tourism (e.g., kayakers, snorkelers, divers).
Join us in Key Largo, Florida for REEF Fest 2021!
REEF Fest is an annual, four-day celebration to acknowledge the success of marine conservation and education initiatives in the Florida Keys. Events include educational seminars, social gatherings, diving and eco-adventures alongside some of the most prestigious names in diving and marine conservation. All REEF Fest events are open to the public. Click here for full REEF Fest details.
If you are itching to don your mask and snorkel and get back in the water, consider joining a REEF Field Survey Trip later this year! You can view the full schedule at www.REEF.org/trips. REEF Trips are led by marine life experts, and include diving, seminars about fish identification, and plenty of fun with friends. Not a scuba diver? No problem. Snorkelers are welcome on REEF Trips and any of the destinations below would be great for non-diving companions. To book your space, send an email to trips@REEF.org.