Welcome to the Citizen Science Corner, our quarterly feature to acknowledge those who recently reached a milestone in our Volunteer Fish Survey Project. Below are the REEF members who achieved a survey milestone in January, February or March 2021.
Experience Level Advancements
Here's a goal to shoot for in 2021: conduct and submit 25 or more REEF surveys in any region or combination of regions to complete the 2021 Super Surveyor Challenge! Everyone will reaches this goal will receive the waterproof decal pictured here.
Congratulations to everyone who has completed the 2021 Super Surveyor Challenge so far:
REEF's Volunteer Fish Survey Project database totals more than 258,000 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+ REEF surveys. Congratulations to Dennis Bensen, our newest member of the Golden Hamlet Club!
Dennis has been a REEF member since 2001 and is an expert level surveyor in both the Tropical Western Atlantic and Hawaii regions. He's conducted surveys in 7 of REEF's 11 survey regions, and over half of his 1,000 surveys done in the Hawaii region.
With 15,000 tube feet and up to 24 arms, the world's largest and fastest sea star species, the Sunflower Sea Star, Pycnopodia helianthoides, is found from Baja Mexico to Alaska. Over the last seven years, this magnificent species has suffered a dramatic decline due to a wasting disease. Many fear that the species may be on the brink of extinction. To quantify the decline and possibly establish grounds for protections and intervention, REEF joined in a partnership of more than 60 institutions led by The Nature Conservancy and Oregon State University.
This derby is organized by the Rotary Club of Central Tortola.
Organizer Contact Info: brian.rotary@outlook.com
This event is a REEF Sanctioned Lionfish Derby. Click here for more information about REEF Sanctioned Lionfish Derbies.
Create your own ocean-inspired painting while enjoying a beverage at a beautiful oceanside venue. No prior experience needed is needed; local artist Brittany Parker will provide step by step guidance to help you create the Spotted Eagle Ray painting shown above!
$45 per person includes all painting supplies and a beverage ticket. All proceeds benefit REEF's marine conservation programs.
The 2022 REEF Field Survey Trips schedule is available! 2022 REEF Trip destinations include Roatan, Bonaire, St. Lucia, and more. Other highlights are a liveaboard trip to Kona, Hawaii, our annual trip to Cozumel, and a trip to the muck diving capital of the Caribbean, St. Vincent. For those who like to plan ahead, there is also a sneak peek at what's in store for 2023. Looking to travel later this year? We have a few trips on the schedule with space in 2021, including Gardens of the Queen in Cuba, St. Croix, The Bahamas, and Cayman Brac. Start dusting off your scuba and snorkel gear!
Introducing our March 2021 Fish of the Month, the comical and adorably plump Spiny Lumpsucker!
Be sure to check out REEF’s online programs to help keep you engaged in marine conservation from home. Here's what is coming up:
Fishinar: Common Fishes of the Western Indian Ocean
Thursday, March 25 at 8PM EDT
Christy Semmens will be teaching about common fish species seen in the Western Indian Ocean and how to identify them.
Register here.
