In June, REEF Director of Science, Christy Pattengill-Semmens, attended the 2016 International Coral Reef Symposium meeting held in Hawaii. This conference, held every four years, brings together several thousand scientists, policy makers, and managers to discuss coral reefs and share latest research. During the week, Dr. Brice Semmens from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, presented an analysis of REEF survey data collected by volunteers in Bonaire Marine Park over the last 20 years. This valuable citizen science dataset includes over 22,000 surveys and 26,000 hours of underwater time.
On World Oceans Day, REEF kicked off our annual summer matching campaign. Every donation that comes in through August 8, up to $40,000, will be matched dollar for dollar! We are highlighting all the exciting new discoveries REEF staff and members are making through our core programs. With your help this summer, REEF can continue to study the vast underwater world that remains largely unexplored and encompasses more than 70% of our blue planet.
Even though it's summer, we aren't slowing down on our Fishinar series (www.REEF.org/fishinars). We have two great sessions planed, reviewing fishes of the Virgin Islands and Bermuda!
- Thursday, July 14th - Less Frequently Seen Fish of Virgin Gorda with Janna Nichols
- Tuesday, August 30th - Fishes of Bermuda with Ned and Anna DeLoach
And later this year, we have even more on the schedule.
Are you looking for an Indo-Pacific adventure to Micronesia, want to dive the warm waters of the Caribbean, or aim to explore the emerald green waters of British Columbia? Join REEF to take a Dive Vacation That Counts! We still have a few spaces remaining on the following 2016 REEF Trips:
On June 22, SCUBA divers, marine conservation enthusiasts, and foodies gathered at Piccolo Ristorante in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to attend the second annual Lionfish Tasting Dinner. During the event, patrons learned about effects of the lionfish invasion while sampling the tasty invader’s light, white meat. At the end of the evening, DiveBar, one of the night’s sponsors, presented REEF with a check for $1,500 to support our Invasive Lionfish Program.
We are excited to announce that Lad Akins, REEF Director of Special Projects, is a 2016 recipient of Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA)’s Reaching Out Award! First presented in 1989, this award honors leaders in the diving community whose significant contributions to the sport have elevated the industry on all levels. Lad will join distinguished past recipients including Jacques Cousteau, Dr. Sylvia Earle and Dr. Eugenie Clark, as well as REEF Co-Founder Paul Humann, and Board of Trustees Members Peter Hughes and Marty Snyderman.
Attend a FREE Fish ID Seminar @ COJO July 13 6pm or July 21 6pm
This is a linked event with the dives at Pettes Cove on July 24th
How to sign up: Contact COJO Diving at cojodiving@gmail.com, 855-646-2656.
Attend a FREE Fish ID Seminar at COJO Diving on July 13th 6pm or July 21st 6pm
This is a linked event with the Pettes Cove dive on July 24th.
COJO Diving Inc.
158 Garden Grove, Lincoln NB
Web: www.cojodiving.com
Main: (855) 646-2656 Ext 102
Fax: (855) 646-2656
REEF "Great Annual Fish Count" dive at Pettes Cove, Sun Jul 24
Event time 1:15pm - 3:30pm
Recommended ferry crossing from Blacks Harbour @ 11:30am.
Reservation recommended for the ferry:
http://grandmanan.coastaltransport.ca/
Attend a FREE Fish ID Seminar at COJO Diving on July 13 6pm or July 21 6pm
GAFC REEF SAS Fish Survey Dives
24 July 2016 – 7:30 am
Hyde (2 dives) through Aquatic Safaris, Wrightsville Beach, NC
Book dives on “Hyde” directly through Aquatic Safaris at (910) 392-4386
This event linked with SAS Fish ID class on July 13th.