Our annual fundraising match is here - and that means when you make a contribution to REEF this summer, your gift has twice the impact for the oceans. Now through August 8, all donations to REEF will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $70,000! We are so thankful to our three foundation partners, the Curtis and Edith Munson Foundation, the Henry Foundation, and the Meyer Foundation, for their longtime support of REEF by providing our summer donation match. You can make a donation online at www.REEF.org/donate.
REEF is excited to announce the new Marine Conservation Fellow Program, and we are currently seeking qualified individuals to apply for three open positions, each with a different focus. Current fellowship openings include: Education and Events, Communications and Outreach, and Conservation Science. The fellowship is designed to equip recent college graduates and other early career individuals with the tools, experiences, support, and community they need to become leaders in marine conservation.
Mark your calendar for REEF Fest, coming up on October 13-16, 2022 in Key Largo, Florida. REEF Fest is an annual celebration of marine conservation, featuring free ocean-themed seminars, eco-excursions, social events, and more. REEF Fest registration is now open, and we hope you can join us! You can register for REEF Fest 2022 here. We have a spectacular lineup of seminar speakers joining us for REEF Fest 2022, including:
Introducing our June Fish of the Month, the Guineafowl Puffer (Arothron meleagris)!
We don't usually think of fish as noisy animals, however, many species of fish are able to produce a variety of sounds, including clicks, purrs, grunts, pops, and even deeper noises like booms. A recent paper published in the The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America looked at the sounds made by different grouper species, as part of the Grouper Moon Project.
We are excited to welcome Sierra Barkdoll to the REEF staff team as Citizen Science Coordinator. Sierra joined the staff in June 2022 after serving as a REEF Marine Conservation Intern (MCI) and Lead Intern over the past year and a half. In her new staff role, Sierra will work closely with Janna Nichols, REEF's Citizen Science Program Manager to support the Volunteer Fish Survey Project, REEF's cornerstone citizen science program.
REEF Co-Executive Director Christy Semmens is featured in this DAN Member Profile that describes her journey through the marine biology realm, and how her path intersected with REEF during the early years of the organization.
REEF members are the heart of our grassroots marine conservation programs. A diverse community of divers, snorkelers, and ocean enthusiasts support our mission to conserve marine environments worldwide.
REEF Ocean Explorers Single-Day Summer Camps will immerse campers in an ocean of learning and fun. Explorers will be exposed to the natural world of the Florida Keys and all of its amazing creatures during weekly programs filled with creative activities and adventures. Camp will include snorkeling, kayaking, science activities, special visits, and other outdoor adventures.
Summer Single-Day Camp sessions are held on recurring Wednesdays throughout the summer. Each week will feature a different ocean theme. Sessions are open to children ages 7-13.