Although our 2018 Summer Lionfish Derby Series has come to a close, REEF is continuing invasive lionfish education and removal efforts through Collecting and Handling Workshops throughout southern Florida. The goal of the workshops is to educate the public about the invasive lionfish, as well as practice safe removal methods and provide participants with permits issued by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary for removal of lionfish in the Sanctuary Preservation Areas using hand nets only.
This holiday season, we are reflecting on the beginnings of REEF. Our mission to conserve marine environments began 25 years ago in the Florida Keys, when a small group of pioneering divers and conservationists took a slate on a dive and started REEF’s Volunteer Fish Survey Project, a program that would eventually become the largest marine life sightings database in the world. Since then, our work has grown to include endangered and invasive species work, as well as education and outreach. None of this would be possible without you, our members.
We are excited to announce the 2019 REEF calendar, featuring stunning full-color marine life photographs from our most important asset, our members. The 2019 calendar is a special tribute to the impact our citizen science volunteers have had on marine conservation. Each month highlights an individual who has contributed to the Volunteer Fish Survey Project for 20 or more years! The calendar is also a great way to keep up with REEF events throughout the year, such as Field Survey Trips, Fishinars, and REEF Fest!
REEF is happy to announce that the 2019 Fishinar schedule is posted and ready for registrations!
Fishinars are fun, free online marine life identification sessions that cover topics from all of REEF’s world-wide project areas. These hour-long interactive sessions are great for beginning and advanced surveyors alike, and all are welcome whether you avidly survey, want to get started, or just want to learn more about marine life.
Over nearly three decades, REEF has welcomed more than 100 individuals to REEF Headquarters to spend a semester immersed in the marine conservation field. This month, we highlight past intern Alexis Balinski. Read on to hear about Alexis's time at REEF, and how her internship helped her get where she is now.
When were you a Marine Conservation Intern?
I interned during the summer of 2013.
This is the time of year when many people traditionally give to the causes they care most about, and use tax deductions to offset the costs of donating. As you consider your end of year giving, we wanted to share with you some opportunities that may provide you with the ability to deduct or increase your deductions this year, as the tax laws recently changed with the Tax Cut Jobs Act of 2017.
REEF members are the heart of our grassroots marine conservation programs. Divers, snorkelers, and ocean enthusiasts worldwide stand behind our mission.
Join Dr. Christy Semmens for a presentation covering some of the most common surgeonfish that can be found across REEF's Tropical Pacific survey regions.
List of fish covered in this session:
Join Dr. Christy Semmens to learn about some of the unique and interesting fish that you can find while diving in Oman.
This session covers:
Join REEF staff Dr. Alli Candelmo for an update on current research findings of the invasive lionfish in the Tropical Western Atlantic.