REEF Grouper Moon scientists co-authored a recent groundbreaking paper in the journal PLoS One that highlights the importance of regional conservation efforts aimed at spawning aggregations in the Caribbean. This study evaluated genetic connectedness between Nassau Grouper populations throughout the Caribbean using DNA markers. The authors obtained genetic tissue samples from 620 Nassau Grouper from 19 sites across 9 countries, including the Cayman Islands. They found evidence for strong genetic differentiation among Nassau Grouper subpopulations throughout the Caribbean.
In response to conservation concerns for inshore rockfish, Fisheries and Oceans Canada implemented a system of 164 rockfish conservation areas (RCAs) in British Columbia as part of the Rockfish Conservation Strategy. RCAs were established between 2004 and 2007. RCAs are not marine protected areas (MPAs) because they were not designated though any MPA legislative tool such as Canada’s Ocean Act, but rather through a fishery closure using the Fisheries Act. They can, however, be considered harvest refugia.
We've got lots of exciting, fun, and educational REEF Fishinars in store for you this year - featuring your favorite instructors and special guests alike. Check out the full schedule at www.REEF.org/fishinars. Fishinars coming up include:
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 Herb Gruenhagen. Herb has been a REEF member since 2001, and has conducted 208 surveys (all in his home state of California). He is a member of the Pacific Coast Advanced Assessment Team as an Expert Surveyor. Here's what Herb had to say about REEF:
When and how did you first volunteer with REEF or become a REEF member?
We are excited to announce an exclusive opportunity for REEF members to pre-purchase the 4th edition Reef Fish Identification - Florida, Caribbean, Bahamas by Paul Humann and Ned DeLoach. This newly released version includes 89 new fish species and over 150 new photos, representing a significant update to the 2002 3rd edition. The new book is currently only available through the REEF online store. Purchase your copy today by clicking here.
We will leave Sunday July 6 for 5 days of diving offshore Jupiter, Florida and 4-5 days diving world famous Blue Heron Bridge to include a night dive at the bridge. Trip fee will include 6 nights lodging at a nice local hotel, 4 days of boat charter fees, airfills, night dive at BHB, and 2 lunch dates. Families are welcome on this trip. Opportunities for REEF Data collecting will be done offshore and at Blue Heron Bridge. An Intro to REEF Data Collecting class is available for an additional $99. (Cost includes: Class, Fish ID Book and REEF Data Kit). Trip fee is $695 per person double occ.
Join us onboard SeaQuest II from Discovery Diving Company in beautiful Beaufort, NC for 2 days (May 31-June 1) of Lionfish Collecting and/or REEF Data Collection in the SAS territory. Trip includes 2 days diving offshore charter fees and airfills $325. Payment due now. Contact Roger Skillman for more information or to reserve your space.
Sunday, July 13th: GAFC Kick-off – Meet at Gold Coast Scuba at 8 am. Divers will go out on their own in buddy groups all along the Lauderdale by the Sea reef line and conduct their own surveys. All divers are welcome to attend, including those who are already REEF fish surveyors. After the morning dives, meet at 12 pm for a cook-out at the Windjammer Resort. Divers will provide their own tanks, dive gear and survey paper. (Available at shop). Student divers get a shop discount.
This event linked with these events:
Thursday, July 10th: Free TWA Fish ID class, approx time 2 hours. Open to public. Start time 6 pm. Divers will have option to sign-up for PADI Project Aware Fish ID specialty (cost of the course is not included)