This gorgeous destination is known for its biodiversity, endemic species, and large pelagic fish. Stacey will cover some of what you’re most likely to see while exploring the big blue.
King Angelfish photo by Carol Cox
Fishes taught in this session:
Fish in the Tropical and Indo-Pacific can look remarkably similar. Join us to discover the differences between these copycats.
Bengal Snapper photo by Paul Humann
Species taught in this session:
2023 marks the 30th anniversary of the REEF Volunteer Fish Survey Project. Since its launch in 1993, this citizen science program has generated one of the largest marine life databases in the world through marine life sightings surveys conducted by volunteer divers and snorkelers. A key aspect of the project's success and impact is that REEF data are available to everyone.
From March to June of this year, the REEF Conservation Science team completed a rigorous set of field testing for two types of deep water traps to capture invasive lionfish: the Gittings Noncontainment Trap, and a modified lobster trap, both designed for capturing lionfish from mesophotic reefs in the Florida Keys. With the help of Forever Young Charter Company and local volunteers, our team deployed these traps in a paired design at 43 different natural and artificial reefs across the Upper Florida Keys.
This month, REEF and the Cayman Islands Department of the Environment (DoE) presented professional development workshops for educators on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac in the Cayman Islands. The workshops, led by Grouper Moon educator Todd Bohannon and Bradley Johnson from DoE, provided teachers with a marine science curriculum based on the Grouper Moon Project for intermediate/elementary and high school students.
The REEF Volunteer Fish Survey Project enables divers and snorkelers to collect and report information on marine fish populations, plus invertebrate and algae species in temperate areas. Participants can measure their fish ID knowledge along with their surveying experience through REEF Experience Levels, which are categorized from beginner to expert. Experience Levels are achieved by submitting a certain number of surveys and passing a fish ID test.
The start of November means that the holiday season is fast approaching. We're looking forward to kicking off this joyous time of year with Giving Tuesday on November 28. Giving Tuesday is a day for people to come together and make a meaningful impact for a better future.
We had such a blast last month at REEF Fest in Key Largo! Thank you to everyone who joined us for our annual marine conservation celebration. Check out the REEF Fest 2023 photo album to see all the fun we had, including diving, snorkeling, kayaking, seminars, socials, and even nature tours. We had a fantastic lineup of seminar speakers this year, several of whom traveled great distances to be part of REEF Fest.
The REEF team is preparing to attend the annual DEMA (Dive Equipment and Marketing Association) Show in New Orleans, LA on November 14-17, 2023. DEMA Show is the largest trade-only event in the world for businesses and organizations involved in scuba diving, ocean water sports and adventure/dive travel industries. Each year, the show attracts hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of dive and travel industry professionals worldwide. We're excited to have an opportunity to spread awareness of our marine conservation and education programs, network with our partners, and make new connections.