As we celebrate REEF Member #50,000, it is exciting to also look back to the beginning. This month we feature two of our charter members, Douglas and Jane Rorex (REEF Members #25 and #26). Nineteen years ago this month they were diving in the Florida Keys and happened upon information about what was to be the first REEF Survey Project class in July 1993. They couldn't attend that one, but they did attend a class a few months later. Since then, Douglas and Jane have conducted over 400 surveys combined. Here's what they had to say about REEF:
Earlier this month, for World Oceans Day, the Curtis and Edith Munson Foundation celebrated by pledging to match contributions to REEF dollar for dollar, up to $30,000! Our campaign to raise funds for protecting Nassau Grouper, controlling invasive Lionfish, and inspiring citizen science through the Volunteer Fish Survey Project is off to a great start. But we still need your help to reach our goal in the next 30 days. If you haven't yet had a chance, please contribute today.
Become and citizen scientist and perform a REEF survey while you are having fun underwater. Make this a part of your dive log activities.
Join the REEF's FREE local fish training program and better understand what goes on just beyond the surf zone!
RSVP: hgruenha@nethere.com
As a new REEF Field Station, we're excited to offer our very first Fish ID Training Seminar at Shark's Cove/Pupukea Beach Park as part of the Great Annual Fish Count! During this FREE training class hosted by Malama Pupukea Waimea, you will learn the names of Hawaii's common reef fishes and how to conduct REEF surveys. After the training seminar, participants will have the opportunity to work in a team to conduct a 30-minute REEF Survey to record the different species and number of each fish observed.
EVENT DESCRIPTION: Join us for our monthly Fish ID Training Seminar at Shark’s Cove / Pupukea Beach Park. During this FREE training class hosted by Malama Pupukea Waimea, you will learn the names of Hawaii's common reef fishes and how to conduct REEF surveys. After the training seminar, participants will have the opportunity to work in a team to conduct a 30-minute REEF survey to record the different species and number of each fish observed.
EVENT DESCRIPTION: Join us for our monthly Fish ID Training Seminar at Shark’s Cove / Pupukea Beach Park. During this FREE training class hosted by Malama Pupukea Waimea, you will learn the names of Hawaii's common reef fishes and how to conduct REEF surveys. After the training seminar, participants will have the opportunity to work in a team to conduct a 30-minute REEF survey to record the different species and number of each fish observed.
Join us July 8th with a mission to collect lionfish with Amoray Dive Resort! A short briefing on lionfish handling and supplies will be provided by REEF. To register for this event, please contact Amoray Dive Resort at (305) 451-3595 or visit their website.
This species is identified primarily by the bright blue-green wash over its entire body. Unlike similar species, there is no black spot at the base of the pectoral fin. This species tends to form large schools over shallow branching coral thickets.
Join us for Fish ID Seminar to learn the 50 most common fish in the waters of the Florida Keys. This seminar includes an interative presentation, free membership to REEF, and an opportunity to participate in a guided field survey dive. Pre-reistration is recommended.
To register or for more information, contact REEF at REEFHQ@REEF.org or (305) 852-0030.
Get the whole experience of the Great Annual Fish Count! Learn and dive on the same day! On July 19th, Horizon Divers is hosting a Fish ID presentation with survey dives following! Fish ID Seminar starts at 9 am with the dive in the afternoon at 1:30. To register, please contact Horizon Divers at (305) 453-3535 or visit their website.
For more information about the Great Annual Fish Count, please click here.