There is less than a month left in our annual summer fundraising campaign, and that means there is less than a month left to have your donation matched! Thanks to the generosity of three longtime supporters, all donations made this summer will be matched dollar for dollar up to $70,000! We are so thankful to everyone who has already contributed to our summer fundraising campaign, enabling us to continue our marine conservation work.
Each spring, REEF hosts REEF by the Sea, held the first full weekend in March (alternating between San Diego and South Florida). These events feature seminars and program updates, silent auctions, opportunities for diving, and a chance to mingle with REEF staff, other REEF partners and friends, and our Board of Trustees. Sustainers will be invited to REEF by the Sea in California on March 6-8, 2020, to enjoy food, drinks, special presentations by scientists and prominent figures in marine science, and networking with other REEF members.
We hope you can join us in Key Largo for REEF Fest 2019 sponsored by Capital Bank Foundation, on Oct. 17-20! REEF Fest is an annual four-day celebration to acknowledge the success of marine conservation and education initiatives in the Florida Keys. Events include educational ocean-themed seminars, social gatherings, diving, and eco-adventures alongside some of the most prestigious names in diving and marine conservation. All REEF Fest events are open to the public, but pre-registration is requested.
This month, REEF is proud to highlight one of our outstanding Conservation Partners: Blue Planet Scuba in Washington, D.C. REEF Conservation Partners are active organizations and dive shops dedicated to protecting marine environments. As valued REEF ambassadors, they teach fish ID classes, host survey dives, organize volunteer events and more. Read on to find out how you can get involved with these centers of conservation action!
For the first three weeks in July, REEF’s Invasive Species Program Manager, Dr. Alli Candelmo, and Lead Intern for the Invasive Species Program, Madalyn “Moose” Mussey, have spent almost every day underwater conducting lionfish research. With the help of Forever Young Charter Company, Tony Young, Jeff Leonia, REEF staff, and volunteers, REEF has been assessing lionfish densities in deep water habitats off Islamorada, FL. Along with habitat surveys, the team has deployed a hydrophone (which records underwater sounds including fish sounds) in a site with high densities of lionfish.
Join REEF’s upcoming Field Survey Trip that will include diving around both Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, with some of the best diving conditions that the Caribbean has to offer! The Cayman Islands are known for outstanding visibility and few currents, making this an excellent destination for divers of all ages and abilities. This unique itinerary will give participants the chance to explore the two sister islands of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, which are renowned for beautiful coral reefs and amazing wall diving.
Thank you to all the REEF members who submitted such amazing photos to our underwater photography contest! We received many excellent submissions from all over the world, representing many of our survey regions. Public voting is now open! You can vote for your favorite image in each of the six categories here. Voting will end at 11:59pm EST on August 12. The winning photos and photographers will be featured in REEF’s July 2020 - December 2021 calendar. Please encourage your friends and family to vote.
We are excited to welcome Allison Moran to the REEF team! Allison started in July 2019 and is based at REEF Headquarters as Operations Manager. Her primary roles at REEF will involve supporting critical project and facility management and day-to-day business functions such as maintaining financial records and overseeing REEF's online and physical store. She will also assist with education and outreach programs and events.
REEF Fishinars are fun, live, interactive webinars, open to anyone who wants to learn about ocean life. Our next Fishinar, California Sluginar, is coming up on August 15 at 7pm Pacific. Join guest presenter and California marine life ID exert Herb Gruenhagen for this fun and informative presentation covering the biology and life history of some of California's Headshield Slugs, Seahares, Sidegills, Sap Sucklings, Nudibranchs and more! You can tune in live from a computer, tablet or mobile device with a good internet connection.