The documentary "Grouper Moon", produced by Miami public television station WPBT2's Changing Seas, recently wowed audiences and judges at the Reef Renaissance Film Festival in the US Virgin Islands. "Grouper Moon" was awarded the Neptune Award for Best in Show, and a 1st Place Black Coral award in the Documentary Short category. The episode focuses on the collaborative efforts of REEF and the Cayman Department of the Environment to study and conserve one of the last great populations of the Nassau Grouper.
Earlier this month, for World Oceans Day, the Curtis and Edith Munson Foundation and the Henry Foundation celebrated by pledging to match contributions to REEF this summer dollar for dollar, up to $45,000! Our campaign to raise funds for controlling invasive Lionfish, inspiring citizen science through the Volunteer Fish Survey Project, and protecting Nassau Grouper is off to a great start. But we still need your help to reach our goal in the next 40 days. If you haven't yet had a chance, please contribute today.
REEF members are at the heart of our grassroots marine conservation programs. Over 50,000 divers, snorkelers, students, and armchair naturalists stand behind our mission.
This month we highlight Naomi Wooten. Naomi has been a REEF member since 1999, and has conducted 143 surveys (all in her home state of California). She is a member of the Pacific Coast Advanced Assessment Team as an Expert Surveyor. Here's what Naomi had to say about REEF:
When and how did you first volunteer with REEF or become a REEF member?
8:15 AM Road Trip to Blue Heron Bridge for a Shore Dive to find unusual critters: batfish, fly gurnards, sea horses, frogfish, jawfish.....
This is a 1 tank (90-120 minute shallow shore dive (<25 ft)). You will need a Diver Down Flag. You can rent the flag/tanks/weights/other gear at Force E Scuba Center (155 E Blue Heron Blvd, Riviera Beach, FL. 561-845-2333)
Check out on Facebook: Blue Heron Dive Club to see the latest critters sighted.
Address for shore dive: Phil Foster State Park, 900 East Blue Heron Boulevard, Riviera Beach, FL 33404
8 AM Check In at Islamorada Dive Center (MM 84): Wall Dive (Great Hammerhead sighted regularly on this reef) & at Patch Reef. Call IDC to reserve your spot: 305 664 3483, tell them you are with the REEF Fish ID Group. Email Allison to confirm your participation (allison.carlos@me.com)
12 PM Check In at Key Dives (MM 80): Alligator Ledge (2 hr dive / 100 Fish ID). Call Key Dives to sign up 305 664 2211. Identify yourself as a REEF Fish ID member. Email Allison to confirm your participation (allison.carlos@me.com)
12 PM Check In: Davis Reef (2 hr dive/ 100 fish) with IDC (Islamorada Dive Center)
Alligator Refresher: Parrotfish & Wrasses
Look-a-Likes
Blue Heron Bridge Fish Species (weird critters). Prep for dive at Blue Heron Bridge on 8/1/14.