Citizen Science Corner: July - September 2020 Achievements

Welcome to the Citizen Science Corner, our quarterly feature to acknowledge those who recently reached a milestone in our Volunteer Fish Survey Project. Below are the REEF members who achieved a survey milestone in July, August, or September 2020.

Experience Level Advancements

REEF Experience Levels are a way for divers and snorkelers to measure their fish ID knowledge along with their surveying experience. From brand new beginners up to the top (Level 5), you'll find plenty of resources and friends to help you along the way.

Fish of the Month: October 2020

To get you in the mood for Halloween, meet our spooky October Fish of the Month - the Pinnate Spadefish, Platax pinnatus!

Disease outbreaks can threaten marine biodiversity

This paper, a chapter in a book on Marine Disease Ecology, focuses on global disease outbreaks that have resulted in mass mortality events that have subsequently impacted marine communities. One of the four case studies in the paper is the Sea Star Wasting Disease (SSWD) event that impacted the west coast of the US and Canada beginning in 2013. Data collected by REEF surveyors in this region on several species of echinoderms have been the basis of multiple published studies on the impact of SSWD. These studies are referenced in the book chapter.

REEF Report

REEF updates including a project in The Bahamas, the Volunteer Fish Survey Project's expansion to the TEP, and addition of inverts to the PNW region.

Lionfish hunters net record haul during derby, and rough weather didn’t get in the way

2020 Upper Keys Lionfish Derby Sets New Records Despite Tropical Storm Interference

Southern Sea of Cortez Field Survey Trip

This special Southern Safari charter aboard the Rocio del Mar is only offered by request and provides a chance to experience the unique rocky reefs and pinnacle dive sites of southern Baja including Espirtu Santo, Los Islotes, and Isla Cerralvo, also known as Jacques Cousteau Island.

REEF Upper Keys Lionfish Derby Hauls in 1,321 Invasive Lionfish

KEY LARGO, FLA. – In spite of Tropical Storm Sally’s unexpected appearance over south Florida, 23 teams took to the water this weekend, bringing in a total of 1,321 invasive lionfish during the 2020 Upper Keys Lionfish Derby; the most fish ever harvested at a REEF Lionfish Derby held in the Florida Keys. Teams were permitted to fish anywhere in Florida, from sunrise to sunset on Friday, Sept. 11 and Saturday, Sept. 12. More than $4,000 in cash and prizes was awarded to teams who brought in the most, largest, and smallest lionfish.

Fish Out of Water Virtual 5K Pre-race Social

Join us on Zoom for a casual get-together to meet your fellow team and race mates. (you can even size up the competition!) If you've received your race materials and wish to wear your shirt, that would be fun.

Making It Count - September 2020

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