We did it! During the week of September 28-October 4, 497 participants from 37 states and 8 countries took part in the first-ever REEF Fish Out of Water Virtual 5K. Thank you to everyone who ran, walked, biked, hiked, or swam to support marine conservation. Together, we completed more than 2,485 meters or 1,540 miles.
We are extremely proud and honored to announce that one of REEF’s Executive Directors, Dr. Christy Pattengill-Semmens, was recently named to the Women Divers Hall of Fame. Christy is a marine biologist whose work at REEF intersects ocean citizen science, education, and conservation. She first worked with REEF as an intern in 1993 and then joined the REEF staff in 1998. Christy oversees all aspects of REEF’s Volunteer Fish Survey Project, one of the longest-running and largest marine life sightings programs, engaging volunteer divers and snorkelers all over the world.
A new research paper containing exciting findings from the Grouper Moon Project was recently published in the journal Marine Ecology Progress Series. Much of the science done by the project's collaborative team is focused on better understanding Nassau Grouper populations in the Cayman Islands through studying their spawning aggregations. However, long-term acoustic tags (tracking pingers) also allow us to gather information on how these fish behave at their home reefs outside of the spawning season.
REEF is proud to highlight Blue Endeavors, one of our outstanding Conservation Partners. REEF Conservation Partners are active organizations and dive shops committed to protecting marine environments worldwide. As valued REEF ambassadors, they serve as centers for marine conservation actions, outreach, and education. You can view the full listing of Conservation Partners or register your organization as a REEF Conservation Partner here.
Meet our November Fish of the Month, the Sarcastic Fringehead (Neoclinus blanchardi!)
Survey Regions: Sarcastic Fringeheads are found in the north Pacific Ocean, throughout the coast of California as well as Baja California in Mexico. Check out the sightings report for this species for REEF's Pacific Coast (PAC) survey region.
REEF’s in-person events are on hold until further notice, but you can still join us for marine conservation fun from home.
Fishy Hour: "Gnome for the Holidays" Craft Workshop
Thursday, December 3 at 8 PM EST via Zoom
Register here.
Much of the science done by the Grouper Moon Project's collaborative research team is focused on gaining a better understanding Nassau Grouper populations in the Cayman Islands through studying their spawning aggregations; however, long-term acoustic tags (tracking pingers) allow us to gather information on how these fish behave at their home reefs outside of the spawning season. Nassau Grouper are known to be solitary and territorial.
Get ready for the race with this fun social time where you can meet your team and race mates, and get more details about the event.
You'll want a working webcam for this one if at all possible. (phone, tablet or computer all work well)
Mark your calendars and set your alarms - there are no reminder emails with Zoom!
Whether you’re a devoted bookworm or have a stack of books collecting dust that you hope to make time to read one day, the Into the Blue Book Club brings together all types of readers who love the ocean and its underwater inhabitants.
You'll want a working webcam for this one if at all possible. (phone, tablet or computer all work well)
Mark your calendars and set your alarms - there are no reminder emails with Zoom!
For this meeting we will be reading Into the Planet by Jill Heinerth. You can read more about this book on GoodReads.
Whether you’re a devoted bookworm or have a stack of books collecting dust that you hope to make time to read one day, the Into the Blue Book Club brings together all types of readers who love the ocean and its underwater inhabitants.