REEF Co-Executive Director, Dr. Christy Pattengill-Semmens, was recently welcomed to the Women Divers Hall of Fame (WDHOF) in celebration of her achievements in ocean citizen science, education, and conservation. Although WDHOF was not able to hold their usual formal induction ceremony for Christy or the other five inductees of the Class of 2021 (or for the Class of 2020), Christy received her WDHOF pin in a short ceremony held at a DEMA awards dinner last month in Las Vegas.
2021 is winding down, and there are just a couple weeks left to complete the Super Surveyor Challenge! You can complete the challenge by conducting and submitting 25 REEF surveys from any region (or a combination of regions) in 2021. More than 100 volunteer snorkelers and divers have completed the challenge this year. You can see a list of everyone who has done so here.
REEF’s Grouper Moon Project was recently recognized with one of American Fisheries Society (AFS)'s highest honors, the William E. Ricker Resource Conservation Award. The Ricker Award is given annually, if warranted, to an individual or organization for a singular accomplishment or long-term contributions that advance aquatic resource conservation at a national or international level. The award was accepted on REEF's behalf by REEF Board member and longtime Grouper Moon scientist Dr. Scott Heppell at the annual AFS meeting last month.
It's hard to believe that it's already November. Before you know it, the holiday season will be in full swing. A traditional kick-off of the holidays is Giving Tuesday on November 30. After the bustle of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, Giving Tuesday is a day to give back to the community and causes you love. Would you mark your calendar now to celebrate with REEF on Giving Tuesday, November 30? Here are ten reasons to remember REEF on this annual day of giving:
Held annually on the last Friday in April, Give BIG for the Oceans is a way for the REEF community to come together and celebrate our collective impact on ocean conservation. Join the REEF team, along with some of our affiliate scientists and research partners, for a vibrant and uplifting conversation about how REEF programs are helping to build a brighter future for the ocean.
Be sure to also watch your email inbox for information about a special donation match opportunity during Give BIG for the Oceans!
One of our favorite ways to kick off the holiday season is by doing something meaningful for the planet. When you join a REEF Field Survey Trip, you have the opportunity to participate in the world's largest ocean citizen science effort, while learning more about marine life and making friends with others who share your passion. There are a few spaces available on our REEF Field Survey Trip to the Gardens of the Queen marine park in Cuba, coming up on Dec. 11-18.
Searching for holiday gifts for the diver, snorkeler, or ocean ethusiast in your life? Check out the new merch we recently added to the REEF online store, including:
We had such a blast hosting REEF Fest 2021 last month! Thank you to everyone who joined us in Key Largo for our annual marine conservation celebration. After a long stretch apart, we enjoyed being able to reconnect with our members and the Florida Keys community. We also appreciated everyone's efforts to ensure health and safety throughout the event.
REEF's online programs are free and open to everyone! Here's what is coming up in the rest of the year:
Into the Blue Book Club Meeting
Thursday, November 11 at 8pm EST
Into the Blue Book Club brings together readers who love the ocean. At this meeting, we will be discussing our latest book selection, Ocean Outbreak by Drew Harvell. Drew is also attending the meeting for a Q&A!
Register here.