GAFC Field Survey Event at MacArthur State Park. Meet on the beach at 10 AM. This is a snorkel event only and reef access is via the beach.
Fish ID seminar will be held at the park's nature center in North Palm Beach, FL from 6-8:30 pm. Point of contact: Charlie Jabaly, District Biologist, Florida Park Services, (772) 546-0900.
Participants need to supply their own boat to join in on this GAFC event. Participants may either snorkel or scuba. Maximum depth will be approximately 10-33 feet. Prior registration is required. Departure is 8:00 am from Sand Sprit Park in Stuart, FL.
Point of contact: Charlie Jabaly, District Biologist, Florida Park Services, (772)546-0900. Please let Charlie know if you plan on attending the Fish ID training at the Jonathan Dickinson State Park.
Part II of a Fish ID Seminar will take place from 10-2 pm at Jonathan Dickinson State Park nature center in Hobe Sound, FL. Please plan to bring your own lunch.
In July 1993, REEF had the first Field Survey trip in Key Largo and welcomed our first members. Yesterday, on June 29, 2012, we were excited to welcome REEF Member #50,000. REEF members are at the heart of our grassroots marine conservation programs. The REEF staff and Board of Directors extend a big thank you to all of our members for making the last nineteen years a success.
We are excited to announce our 2013 Field Survey Schedule. Spaces are already starting to fill up so reserve yours today. These trips offer a great introduction to fish identification for novice fishwatchers, and are a fun way for experienced surveyors to build their life list while interacting with fellow fishwatchers. Each trip features daily classroom seminars and a full diving schedule. Complete package details and prices can be found online at www.REEF.org/trips.
New Fishinars have been added! Check out the Webinar Training page (www.REEF.org/resources/webinars). These popular online training sessions provide fishie fun in the comfort of your own home. Fishinars are free, and open to all REEF members. You need to register for each session you want to attend. No special software is required, just a web browser. Upcoming sessions include:
'Changing Seas', an Emmy award-winning original production of Miami’s public television station WPBT2, premiered their newest episode, "Grouper Moon", earlier this month. The episode is now available to view online here. 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.
As we celebrate REEF Member #50,000, it is exciting to also look back to the beginning. This month we feature two of our charter members, Douglas and Jane Rorex (REEF Members #25 and #26). Nineteen years ago this month they were diving in the Florida Keys and happened upon information about what was to be the first REEF Survey Project class in July 1993. They couldn't attend that one, but they did attend a class a few months later. Since then, Douglas and Jane have conducted over 400 surveys combined. Here's what they had to say about REEF: